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Freeman Razemba Senior Reporter

THE British Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) is being engaged so that Zimbabweans in Britain can use their Zimbabwean driver’s licence to gain a British licence without having to submit the Zimbabwean certificate of competency, a document that is only valid for 30 days while the local licence is processed.

This comes after reports that people were facing challenges converting Zimbabwean drivers’ licences to British drivers’ licences since the British authorities were demanding the certificate of competency.

In a statement, Transport and Infrastructural Development Permanent Secretary Engineer Theodius Chinyanga answered some of the questions that Zimbabwean drivers were faced with and also urged drivers to follow correct channels of having their licences converted without engaging in any illicit behaviour.

“The Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development has noted with concern that there are several messages circulating on social media with regards to challenges faced on conversion of Zimbabwean drivers’ licences to British drivers’ licences. This article attempts to answer some of the questions that Zimbabwean drivers are faced with.

“Question: Is the British Government still recognising the Zimbabwean driver’s licence? Answer: Yes, they do, but there are unconfirmed reports that some Zimbabweans have been using fake metal driver’s licences and sadly end up being involved or causing road traffic accidents.

“This has led to the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency in the United Kingdom to demand certificates of competency upon request for conversion of the Zimbabwean licence to a British licence,” he said.

Eng Chinyanga said the current system does not have a provision for a duplicate certificate of competency considering that at law it is only valid for 30 days.

“However, the Ministry is in the process of engaging DVLA so that they do not request for a certificate of competency upon request for a conversion of a driver’s licence,” Eng Chinyanga said.

He said the DVLA has concerns that some of the drivers have inadequate skills.

“Question: I have passed class 2 driver’s licence and was awarded class 2, 4 and 5. DVLA is refusing to convert my licence to allow me to drive classes 4 and 5 only. They want me to drive class two only. Is it possible for one to downgrade?

“Answer: Most drivers who were tested for class 2, did not go through parallel parking and three-point turn tests. DVLA has concerns that they have inadequate skills. The Ministry has made a provision that members be tested for class four so that they are certified competent for the required skills in the relevant class.

“Question: I submitted an application request for a conversion of my licence to DVLA and was initially rejected on the basis that I should attach a certificate of competency. Is it ok if I get a similar one not from VID because I lost the original?

“Answer: It is not allowed to present fake certificate of competency to DVLA or any licencing authority. Applicants risk losing their valid drivers’ licences. Drivers are requested to follow correct channels of having their licences converted without engaging in any illicit behaviour.

“Question: DVLA is failing to contact CVR. How can we be assisted if we want our licences verified? Answer: CVR is in touch with DVLA on a daily basis. The current emails to contact CVR are [email protected], [email protected] and [email protected]. Alternatively, concerned citizens are free to approach their embassies for assistance,” Eng Chinyanga said.