After months of challenges, the Zimbabwean Government has reached an agreement with the United Kingdom regarding the conversion of driver’s licenses. Previously, Zimbabweans faced difficulties converting their licenses to UK ones, as the UK’s Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) required a Blue Copy Competence certificate, which Zimbabwe’s Central Vehicle Registry (CVR) couldn’t provide. This requirement stemmed from concerns over fake license discs and related accidents.
Following public outcry, the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development intervened, engaging with the UK’s DVLA to address the issue. As a result, the UK will no longer require a certificate of competence for Zimbabwean license conversion, easing the process for applicants.
Zimbabwean Licenses in the UK Conversions
The Zimbabwe Government has reached an understanding with the UK government and Zimbabweans can now convert their licenses with the DVLA. The Zimbabwe Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development shared the official policy position regarding the conversion of Zimbabwean licences in the United Kingdom:
“The Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development through the Central Vehicle Registry in conjunction with the Driver and Vehicle Licencing Agency (DVLA) of the United Kingdom is advising the public of the new policy position about the exchange of the Zimbabwe driver’s license in the United Kingdom whereby DVLA will only entertain the exchange of the class 4 driver’s license for those competently tested for driving light motor vehicles and class 2 for those driving trucks.
“Holders of class 2 driver’s licenses intending to drive light motor vehicles must either come back to Zimbabwe and downgrade or obtain their class 4 in the United Kingdom. Those intending to downgrade from class 2 to class 4 are required to approach the Central Vehicle Registry (CVR) offices for assistance before visiting the Vehicle Inspectorate Department (VID).
Source: iHarare
