GOVERNMENT says it will soon clear the 600 000 driver’s licence backlog dating back to 2019 following the launch of the SADC Compliant Driver’s Licence.
Transport and Infrastructural Development Minister, Felix Mhona, said the backlog was due to obsolete equipment at the Central Vehicle Registry.
“It is crucial for all of us to be informed that we currently have a backlog of approximately 600 000 applicants waiting for their driving licences to be printed and issued,” he said.
“This backlog dates to 2019 because of obsolete equipment at Central Vehicle Registry (CVR), as well as shortage of materials to produce the costly metal discs.
“I am pleased that the manual Certificates of Competency records have been scanned, captured, and are now stored in electronic format.”
Minister Mhona said the new driver’s licence system will expedite clearance of backlog at CVR.
“The new system will ease the heavy demand for drivers’ licences that has been a challenge in the country and also make them readily accessible at a reasonable service fee of US$5 for applicants on backlog, payable at the official rate,” he said.
“An online booking platform is available for applicants to make appointments for the capturing of biometric details.
“This new SADC Compliant Driver’s Licence System will therefore drastically reduce the waiting period for obtaining a new licence.”
He said drivers would now be able to receive their licence within 10 days after their competence test.
“I am pleased to say that the plastic card enables instant printing capability and applicants will be informed that the licence is ready for collection, and they will collect from their preferred ZIMPOST office across the country.”
“An online booking platform is available for applicants to make appointments for the capturing of biometric details.
“This new SADC Compliant Driver’s Licence System will therefore drastically reduce the waiting period for obtaining a new licence.”
He said drivers would now be able to receive their licence within 10 days after their competence test.
“I am pleased to say that the plastic card enables instant printing capability and applicants will be informed that the licence is ready for collection, and they will collect from their preferred ZIMPOST office across the country.”
