A fierce debate has erupted over access to Zimbabwe’s driving profession following a controversial proposal that could lock thousands of prospective drivers out of the industry.

The Drivers’ Association of Zimbabwe (DAZ) has formally petitioned Parliament to introduce legislation that would establish a legally recognised professional body for drivers and enforce a minimum requirement of five Ordinary Level (O-Level) passes including English Language and Mathematics for anyone seeking a professional driving licence.

The petition has been referred to the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Transport and Infrastructural Development for consideration. However, the proposal has drawn significant pushback from members of the public who argue that practical competency, rather than academic qualifications, should remain the hallmark of road safety and professional transport.
 

The prospect of introducing academic benchmarks into a sector long relied upon as an entry-level livelihood for many has ignited widespread concern.

In interviews with *ZimNow*, members of the public voiced frustration over treating academic qualifications as the sole metric of capability.

"Intelligence isn't only O'Levels. Many skilled drivers and business people don't have five O'Levels but contribute a lot. The law should be fair across the board," said Patricia Muradya.

Echoing similar sentiments, Herbert Chauke highlighted the fundamental role of driving in daily life:

"Driving is not a skill but a necessity, meaning it must be acquired by every citizen compulsorily," Chauke said.

Others pointed to the irony of lawmakers deliberating on standards they themselves might not possess. Raymond Kavhiya openly questioned the academic standing of some decision-makers:

 "People in the decision-making house of the nation without five O-Levels are making that proposal. Most of them they don't even have five O-Levels," Kavhiya said.

Similarly, Munyaradzi Tembani suggested that if academic thresholds are to be imposed, they should start at the top

 "We should have a Parliament of at least five O-Levels including Maths and English, plus five points A-Level because what they are doing in Parliament shows how they are lacking primary education," Tembani said.
 

Currently, obtaining a driving licence in Zimbabwe depends entirely on meeting standard medical and regulatory criteria alongside passing written and practical driving tests. Critics of the DAZ proposal argue that the focus should remain on strengthening these practical safeguards rather than creating academic barriers.

Kudakwashe Chakabva argued that professionalising the sector requires stricter oversight of existing protocols:

 "Attention should instead be on MPs, Senators and Councillors. Drivers can be professionalised by simply enforcing adherence to licence codes, especially for light and heavy passenger transport, cargo transport; driving authorisation subject to ownership of defensive DL, medicals, retests, and experience," Chakabva said.
 

Taking a preventative approach, Brian Mushonga advocated for foundational safety training,

 "The government should introduce driving in schools, learning basic road signs and rules of the road," Mushonga said.
 

The debate has also brought economic vulnerabilities to light. For many, public transport and professional driving serve as a vital safety net following setbacks in formal education.

Gamuchirai Ndemera expressed concern for those who depend on the trade for survival

 "I think most people who took driving public transport as a profession was out of desperation when they failed academics. What will happen then if you need five O-Levels to get a licence?" Ndemera asked.
 

Tanatswa Moyo highlighted the immediate financial hurdles associated with academic requirements:

"They should not do that because some will not afford examination fees," Moyo said.
 

Meanwhile, Tinashe Mafumhe challenged the assumption that academic credentials correlate directly with intelligence or career success

"Intellect is measured on what you achieve in life. Memorising what you are taught is apparently not a sign that you are intelligent. A good number of people who failed O-Levels are making it in life which is a far better achievement than having five O-Levels," Mafumhe said.
 

With human error frequently cited as a major factor in road traffic accidents across the country, road safety remains a paramount national issue. However, whether academic qualifications offer a genuine solution or merely an unnecessary barrier remains heavily contested.

The Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Transport and Infrastructural Development is expected to deliberate on the DAZ petition before submitting its recommendations to Parliament. Their findings will determine whether the path to a professional driving career in Zimbabwe remains based on practical skill or becomes subject to academic gatekeeping.