VEHICLE INSPECTORATE DEPARTMENT (VID)
VID is a government department under the Ministry of Transport & Infrastructural Development and operates under the auspices of the Public Service Commission (PSC).
Vision
To become a leader in the provision of a world class service in road safety management within the SADC region
Mission
To provide and facilitate an efficient, affordable high quality service through vehicle inspections, driver licensing, road and infrastructure preservation and road safety through effective implementation of policies, strategies and standards.
CORE VALUES
- Accountability
- Commitment
- Teamwork
- Innovation
- Courtesy
- Integrity
- Leadership
Summary of VID Business
The VID has 23 depots countrywide:
Beitbridge, Belvedere, Bindura, Birchnough Bridge, Bulawayo, Chinhoyi, Chitungwiza, Chiredzi, Chirundu, Eastlea, Gwanda, Gweru, Hwange, Kadoma, Kwekwe, Marondera, Masvingo, Mutare, Nyamapanda, Plumtree, VID Training Centre, Victoria Falls and Zvishavane, who carry out the following activities: –
- Vehicle Inspection and Accident Evaluation
- Testing of aspiring drivers for Learner’s Licence.
- Testing of Learner Drivers for Certificate of Competency.
- Preservation of infrastructure and road network through weighing all loaded heavy vehicles.
- Provision of expert evidence in court cases involving disputes on vehicle inspected.
ABOUT THE DRIVER AND DRIVING TEST
1. Who is a driver?
A driver is a person licenced to operate a motor vehicle after receiving instructions from a competent person and passed by a licensed and appointed driving examiner.
As specified in the SADC Agreement, driving licences shall be issued only to those applicants:-
- Who have passed the test of skills, behaviour and a theoretical test and who meet standards, in accordance with the provisions of the SADC Testing Standards and SADC Minimum Medical Standards.
- Who have normal residence in the territory of the member state issuing the licence, or can produce evidence that they have been residing there for at least 6 months.
2. Who can be a driver?
- In the SADC region, a person can become a driver if he/she meets the following:
- Minimum age of 16 years for class 4 and 18 years for class
- SADC Minimum Medical standards
- Criminal clearance certificate from crimes of aggression issued by appropriate authorities, where necessary
- Additional class, in the case of class 1, is given after 5 years of holding class 4 and one year after holding class 2.
3. How to become a driver?
Obtain a learner’s licence after undergoing theoretical training (Highway code) for a minimum period of 5 hours and a test.
4. What Makes a Good Driver?
- Must display good traffic behaviour, be competent, be knowledgeable of road rules and the vehicle he/she is using and think safety first.
- Good behaviour means not only observing traffic laws and regulations but also having the correct attitude towards driving. Courtesy, consideration for other road users, patience and good manners are essential to make the roads safe for all who use them.
ABOUT THE RETESTING OF PUBLIC SERVICE DRIVERS
In terms of Statutory Instrument 168 of 2006: no person shall drive a public service vehicle under licence on any road unless:-
- He or she has a written proof of continuous driving for 5 years prior to driving a public service vehicle.
- He or she is a holder of a defensive driving certificate issued by the Traffic Safety Council of Zimbabwe.
- He or she has been examined by the Government Medical Officer and issued with a medical certificate.
- All public service vehicle drivers shall be required to undergo a retesting exercise after a period of 5 years from the date of issue of a public service vehicle driver’s licence.
- “Public Service Vehicle Driver” means the holder of a licence who drives a public service vehicle and is above 25 years and not more than 70 years.
- “Retesting” means a complete competence test conducted by the Vehicle Inspection Department (VID).
- “Display of Certificates”
A public service vehicle shall be required, at all times while driving that vehicle, to display a valid defensive driving certificate and a valid medical certificate issued in terms of section 4(b) and (c), in such manner that the certificates could be seen easily by passengers or any other person entering the Public Service Vehicle.
ABOUT VEHICLE INSPECTION
The inspections of vehicles can be carried out at a road check or at the depot. Inspections at the road check normally cover only those systems where a defect is likely to make sudden reduction or cease the possibilities to control the vehicle safely.
The following are normally checked:-
- Steering system
- Suspension
- Braking system
- Wheels and tyres
- Trailer coupling (if applicable) and lighting system
- Vehicle and driver documents to ensure compliance with the law.
Inspections at the depots will cover all the components of the vehicle as well as under carriage so as to ensure that the vehicle is safe for use on the roads. A certificate of fitness is issued to a vehicle that meets all the requirements in terms of roadworthiness and the purpose for which the vehicle is designed serve particularly the Public Service Vehicle (PSV). In the case of Private Vehicles, a certificate of roadworthiness will be issued upon satisfactorily meeting all the requirements of construction, equipment and use.
VOLUNTARY INSPECTIONS
Motorists can utilize this facility by submitting their vehicle for inspection at a nominal charge. The facility will enable the vehicle owner to be appraised of any defects that may be found on the vehicle before component failure.
CONTACT DETAILS:
THE CHIEF VEHICLE INSPECTOR
16TH FLOOR, Kaguvi Building
Cnr. 4th / Central Avenue
Causeway
HARARE
Tel: 04-700991 – 9, Fax: 04-703897