LAWMAKERS have called on the government to introduce two distinct driver’s licences for automatic and manual vehicles to curb corrupt practices at the Vehicle Inspection Department (VID).
Speaking in Parliament last week, Epworth North legislator Zivai Mhetu said driver’s licences in Zimbabwe only required one to show proficiency in manual transmission vehicles.
“Considering the modern age where automatic vehicles are becoming more prevalent, we call upon the government to introduce two distinct driver’s licences,” he said.
Mhetu said there were citizens who preferred to use automatic vehicles, adding that they should be a system specific for such people.
“Last year, the Minister of Transport bemoaned corruption due to issuance of driver’s licence amid high demand of licences and the issue of the difficulties in operating a manual transmission vehicle. So introduction of two distinct (drivers licences) would lessen the demand hence reducing corruption,” he said.
The Epworth North legislator said automatic vehicles were dominant on the road, adding that authorities should desist from entertaining the belief that all the drivers who acquired licences using manual vehicles know how to operate an automatic vehicle.
“We need to ensure that all driving school instructors are equipped to provide both manual vehicles and automatic transmission vehicles.
“We need to review and update driver’s licence regulations to reflect the changes and align with international best practices,” he said.
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Kadoma Central legislator Gift Mambipiri said the introduction of two distinct licences ensured that people have a choice on what licence they prefer.
“This will help the nation to save time and resources as the majority are in favour of using automatic vehicles.
“This would make the government desist from using more capital on manual vehicles on people who later dump their knowledge as they will be using automatic vehicles,” he said.
Mambipiri said it was high time two distinct licences were introduced to reduce corruption in the assurance of driver’s licences.
