Zambia Driver Licence or Driver Permit

Zambia Driver Licence: Getting a driver’s licence in Zambia allows you to legally operate a motor vehicle on public roads. Here is a comprehensive guide on applying for, renewing, replacing, and updating your Zambian driver’s licence.

Eligibility Criteria for Applying

To be eligible for a driver’s licence in Zambia, you must:

  • Be at least 18 years old for a light motor vehicle licence
  • Pass the required written and practical driving tests
  • Provide required documents like national registration card, medical report
  • Pay the applicable licence fees

Types of Licences

Zambia issues the following classes of driver’s licences:

  • Class A: Motorcycles
  • Class B: Motor vehicles up to 3,500 kg
  • Class C: Vehicles over 3,500 kg
  • Class D: Hazardous materials vehicles
  • Class E: Combination vehicles like road trains

How to Apply for a New Driver’s Licence

Follow these steps to get a new driver’s licence in Zambia:

  • Step 1: Study for the written rules and signs test. The test covers traffic laws, regulations, road signs etc.
  • Step 2: Get a medical examination report from an approved doctor.
  • Step 3: Book an appointment at the licensing agency for the written test. Pay the fees.
  • Step 4: Pass the written test to obtain your learner’s permit. This allows you to practice driving.
  • Step 5: Practice driving regularly with an experienced supervisor. Learn skills like parking, lane changes etc.
  • Step 6: Book an appointment for the driving test providing your learner’s permit details.
  • Step 7: Pass the driving test to obtain your physical driver’s licence card. Carry this while driving.

How to Renew your Driver’s Licence in Zambia

Your Zambian driver’s licence must be renewed every 5 years. To renew it, you need to:

  • Apply for renewal within 6 months of licence expiry. Fill out the application form.
  • Get a new medical examination report and vision test certificate.
  • Provide a copy of your expiring/expired licence and national registration card.
  • Pay the applicable renewal fees to the licensing agency.
  • Get your new licence card after renewal approval. Check all details are correct.

Replacing a Lost or Damaged Driver’s Licence

If you lose your driver’s licence or it gets damaged, here is how to get a replacement in Zambia:

  • Report the loss/damage to the nearest police station and obtain a police report.
  • Apply for a replacement licence at the licensing agency. Provide licence details and copy of police report.
  • Furnish other documents like medical certificate, ID proof, passport photos etc.
  • Pay the replacement fee to obtain your duplicate driver’s licence card.

Updating the Address on Your Driver’s Licence

If you change your residential address, follow this procedure to update your Zambian driver’s licence:

  • Get proof of your new address like utility bill, bank statement etc.
  • Fill the driver’s licence address change application form along with address proof.
  • Submit the form and documents to the licensing agency to update address.
  • Pay a small update fee.
  • You will receive an updated driver’s licence card showing your new address.

Booking a Road Test Appointment

Follow these steps to book a road driving test appointment in Zambia:

  • Step 1: Ensure you meet the eligibility criteria like holding a learner’s permit etc.
  • Step 2: Practice extensively with an experienced supervisor.
  • Step 3: Get the medical report and vision test certificate.
  • Step 4: Download the road test application form online or from the testing center.
  • Step 5: Fill details like learner’s permit number, ID, contact information etc.
  • Step 6: Select preferred test date and time based on availability of slots.
  • Step 7: Submit form and fees to confirm booking. You will get a booking confirmation.

Paying Traffic Fines and Following Rules

As a driver in Zambia, you must adhere to traffic rules and pay fines on time:

  • Always carry your driving licence and vehicle papers like insurance, road tax receipt etc.
  • Obey speed limits, traffic signals, warning signs, lane driving rules etc.
  • Do not drive under the influence of alcohol and drugs.
  • Use safety belts and do not use your mobile phone when driving.
  • Traffic officers can issue you a ticket if you violate rules. Fines to be paid within 14 days.
  • You can pay fines at designated banks, police stations, post offices, and online.
  • Non payment of fines can lead to penalties and licence suspension.
  • Accumulating excessive demerit points for offences can also result in licence suspension.

Other Zambian Driver’s Licence Services

Some other useful services related to your driver’s licence in Zambia:

  • Duplicate licence – Apply if your licence is lost, stolen or damaged.
  • Renew expired licence – Can renew for up to 5 years after expiry.
  • Verification services – Verify licence details like expiry, suspensions etc.
  • Updating personal details – Change name, photo or address on your licence.
  • Medical report – Needed for obtaining and renewing driving licence.
  • Check demerit points – High demerit points can lead to suspension.
  • International driving permit – Apply to drive temporarily overseas.
  • Driving record abstract – Obtain your official driving history report.

Frequently Asked Questions on Zambian Driver’s Licences

Here are some common queries about getting a driver’s licence in Zambia:

1. What is the minimum age for getting a Zambian driver’s licence?

The minimum age to apply for a driver’s licence in Zambia is 18 years old.

2. What documents do I need for applying for a learner’s permit?

You need a valid national registration card, passport photos, medical examination report and fee to apply for a learner’s permit.

3. How long is the learner’s permit valid in Zambia?

The learner’s permit is valid for 6 months. You must pass the driving test within this period to get your full licence.

4. What is the fee for obtaining a new driver’s licence in Zambia?

The fee for getting a new driver’s licence in Zambia is K250 for all classes. Renewal costs K150 and replacement is K200.

5. Is an international driving permit valid for driving in Zambia?

Yes, an international driving permit along with your national licence is valid for up to 12 months of driving in Zambia.

6. How do I verify if a Zambian driver’s licence is authentic and valid?

You can verify licence details by contacting the Road Transport and Safety Agency. They maintain records of issued licences.

7. What is the penalty for driving without a valid licence in Zambia?

Driving without a licence can lead to a fine of K3000 and/or imprisonment of up to 1 year in Zambia.

8. How many demerit points can cause suspension of a licence in Zambia?

Accumulating 12 or more demerit points within 3 years can lead to driver’s licence suspension in Zambia.

9. Is there an option to renew Zambian driver’s licence online?

No, currently licence renewal can only be done by visiting the licensing agency office in person.

10. How do I change the address on my Zambian driver’s licence?

Submit address proof and filled application form to the licensing agency. Pay fee of K50 to get an updated driver’s licence with new address.