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- Road RulesNot started
Keep Left and Lane Discipline
In Zimbabwe you drive on the left-hand side of the road and overtake on the right. Stay as close to the left as is safe, and only move out when it is clear, legal and necessary.
Open lesson - Road RulesNot started
Speed Limits
The general limit in a built-up area is 60 km/h unless a sign shows otherwise. Outside built-up areas the limit depends on the class of road and of vehicle, so read the posted signs — a posted sign always overrides the general limit, and so does a lower limit shown for your vehicle class.
Open lesson - Road RulesNot started
Right of Way at Intersections
At an uncontrolled intersection, yield to traffic already in the intersection and to traffic approaching from your right. At a four-way stop, the first vehicle to stop goes first.
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Roundabouts and Circles
Approach slowly, give way to traffic already in the circle and to traffic on your right. Signal left before you exit and stay in your lane throughout.
Open lesson - Road SignsNot started
The Three Families of Signs
Regulatory signs give orders and are usually round or octagonal. Warning signs alert you to danger and are triangular or diamond shaped. Information signs guide you and are rectangular.
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Road Markings
A solid white line must not be crossed to overtake. Broken lines may be crossed when safe. Yellow lines at the edge mark no-stopping or reserved lanes.
Open lesson - Vehicle KnowledgeNot started
Documents You Must Carry
A driver must hold a valid licence. The vehicle needs current ZINARA licensing, a valid insurance certificate and, where required, a certificate of fitness.
Open lesson - Vehicle KnowledgeNot started
Pre-Drive Safety Checks
Before moving off check tyres and pressure, lights and indicators, brakes, mirrors, seatbelts, fluid levels and that your load is secure.
Open lesson - Defensive DrivingNot started
Following Distance
Keep at least a two-second gap to the vehicle ahead in good conditions, and double it in rain, dust or at night. Following distance is your thinking time.
Open lesson - Defensive DrivingNot started
Scanning and Hazard Perception
Look far ahead, scan your mirrors every few seconds and check blind spots before any change of direction. Expect pedestrians, cyclists, livestock and potholes.
Open lesson - Defensive DrivingNot started
Night and Weather Driving
Dip your lights for oncoming traffic, reduce speed where visibility drops and never outdrive your headlights. Watch for unlit vehicles and animals on rural roads.
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Vehicle Classes and Legal Ages
Zimbabwe groups vehicles into five licence classes. Class 1 is public service vehicles (age 25, medical certificate, defensive driving certificate and at least five years' experience). Class 2 is heavy vehicles above 2 300 kg net mass (age 18). Class 3 is motorcycles (age 16). Class 4 is light motor vehicles under 2 300 kg net mass (age 16). Class 5 covers tractors, graders, caterpillars and construction machinery (age 18).
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Documents Your Vehicle Must Have
Before a vehicle may be used on a road it must be registered and licensed, covered by insurance from an approved insurer, and the driver must hold a licence for that class of vehicle. A public service vehicle also needs a certificate of fitness, and its driver must be medically examined.
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Learner Driver Conditions
A learner must display 'L' plates and, except on a motorcycle or a vehicle with only a driver's seat, must be under the direct supervision of a fully licensed driver. A learner on a motorcycle may not carry a passenger, and no passenger may be carried for hire or reward. When you meet a vehicle displaying 'L' plates, exercise extreme caution.
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Robot Sequences and Green Arrows
The correct light sequence at a robot is red, green, amber. A green arrow with a red light lets you move in the arrow's direction only, with caution, giving precedence to traffic already in the intersection. A fixed or flashing amber means the robot is not working: treat the intersection as uncontrolled and give way to traffic from your right. When turning left or right at a robot, give way to pedestrians on the crossing you cross.
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Intersection Diagram Rules
Test diagrams follow fixed rules. Give way to traffic from your right. A car facing a stop or give-way sign goes last. Traffic in the same road moves at the same time. No car may turn across oncoming traffic. A car may move to the centre of the intersection when nothing is approaching from its right, and it then leaves second if it is turning right. At a roundabout, traffic already circulating has right of way and you indicate when leaving.
Open lesson - Road SignsNot started
The Five Classes of Signs and Signals
Signs and signals fall into five classes. Class A danger-warning signs carry a red triangle (the 'robot ahead' sign is the exception) and always warn of something ahead. Class B regulatory or mandatory signs are circular with a red rim, except the rail or road level-crossing sign. Class C informative or direction signs are rectangular, black, white and blue — one-way is green and the de-restriction sign is round. Class D is traffic lights and signals. Class E is carriageway markings painted on the road.
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Carriageway Markings in Detail
A broken white line means you may overtake when it is safe. A continuous white line may not be crossed or straddled. A continuous line with a broken line on your side may be crossed if it is safe. A double continuous white line may not be crossed at any time. A broken yellow line marks the edge of the road and may only be straddled to overtake traffic turning right or to stop. A continuous yellow line is a prohibition line. Direction arrows used with prohibition or stop lines have a regulatory effect.
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Stop, Give Way and Level Crossings
At a stop sign you must stop first, give right of way to traffic from both directions, and only proceed when the road is clear. At a give-way sign you give way to traffic from both directions but need not stop if the road is already clear. A rail or road level-crossing sign is regulatory even though it is not circular, and flashing lights at a crossing mean a train is coming — wait.
Open lesson - Vehicle KnowledgeNot started
Reflectors, Lights and Dipping
Vehicles carry white reflectors at the front and red at the rear; heavy vehicles add yellow reflectors on the sides. At night a vehicle needs headlamps with a dip switch, two red tail lamps and an illuminated rear number plate. Dip your headlights in the face of oncoming traffic, in well-lit streets, when travelling behind another vehicle, and for a police officer directing traffic. Headlights are switched on from about 17:30 and may be switched off at about 06:30.
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Motorcycle Requirements
A motorcycle is class 3 with a minimum age of 16. The rider wears a crash helmet, and a passenger may only be carried on a proper pillion seat with foot rests firmly fixed and a helmet provided. A motorcycle has no reverse gear and needs no fire extinguisher; machines with a large engine capacity must be fitted with crash bars. White reflectors go in front and red at the back, and cyclists must ride in single file.
Open lesson - Vehicle KnowledgeNot started
Safety Checks and the Steering Wheel
The main safety features of a vehicle are the brakes and the hooter, and the brakes override the hooter — use them first. A steering wheel is allowed no more than about 45 degrees of free play. Check underneath a light motor vehicle before moving off, ensure passengers wear seat belts, and when refuelling switch off the engine and allow no naked flame or smoking nearby.
Open lesson - Defensive DrivingNot started
Blind Spots and Hazard Perception
A blind spot is any area around your vehicle not covered by your mirrors — check over your shoulder before changing lanes. Hazard perception is anticipating what is developing ahead so you can adjust early. Adjust your speed to the weather, light, road and traffic conditions and to your own ability, and stay off the road entirely if drugs or alcohol have impaired your judgement.
Open lesson - Defensive DrivingNot started
Hand Signals and Using the Horn
Signal your intention before you act and check the road is clear. Slowing down: right arm out, palm down, moving slowly up and down. Stopping: arm held vertically from the elbow, palm forward. Turning right: right arm straight out, palm forward. Inviting a vehicle to overtake: right arm below shoulder level moving backwards and forwards. Turning left: right arm rotated anticlockwise from the shoulder. The horn is used only when it is necessary for the safety or convenience of the public.
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Right of Way at Traffic Circles
At a traffic circle (roundabout) you give way to traffic already in the circle and to traffic approaching from your right. Enter only when there is a safe gap, keep to the left of the island, and signal left just before the exit you intend to take.
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Four-Way Stops and Uncontrolled Junctions
At a four-way stop every driver must stop completely. The first vehicle to stop moves off first; if two arrive together, the vehicle on the left yields to the vehicle on its right. At an uncontrolled junction with no signs or markings, the same give-way-to-the-right rule applies.
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Speed Limits You Must Know
Unless a sign says otherwise, the general limit is 60 km/h in built-up areas and 120 km/h on open roads and highways for light vehicles. Heavy vehicles and public service vehicles are restricted to lower limits, and any posted sign always overrides the general limit.
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Overtaking Safely and Legally
Overtake on the right, and only when you can see far enough ahead to complete the manoeuvre safely. You may not overtake on a blind rise, on a bend, at a pedestrian crossing, at a level crossing or where a solid white line is on your side of the road.
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Pedestrian Crossings and Vulnerable Road Users
Pedestrians on a zebra crossing have right of way — you must stop and let them finish crossing. Never overtake a vehicle that has stopped at a crossing. Take extra care near schools, bus stops and shopping areas, and give cyclists at least a car's width when passing.
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Parking and Stopping Rules
Park on the left, facing the direction of travel, close and parallel to the kerb. You may not park within 9 metres of a junction, on or within 9 metres of a pedestrian crossing, opposite another parked vehicle where the road is narrow, on a bridge or in front of a fire hydrant or driveway entrance.
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Duties After an Accident
If you are involved in an accident you must stop immediately, help the injured, and give your name, address, and vehicle and insurance particulars to the other parties. Do not move the vehicles until the police allow it where anyone is injured or killed, and report the accident at the nearest police station within 24 hours.
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Level Crossings and Railway Lines
Approach every level crossing slowly and be ready to stop. Where lights flash or a barrier lowers, stop behind the line and wait — never zig-zag around a barrier. If there are no signals, look and listen both ways, and only cross when the line beyond is clear so you never stop on the rails.
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The Three Families of Road Signs
Zimbabwean signs fall into three families. Regulatory signs give orders you must obey and are usually round (a red ring prohibits, a blue disc commands). Warning signs alert you to a hazard ahead and are usually triangular or diamond-shaped with a red border. Information signs guide you to places and services and are rectangular.
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Stop and Yield Signs
The octagonal STOP sign requires a complete stop at the line, every time, even when the road looks empty. The downward-pointing triangular YIELD sign does not require a stop, but you must slow down and give way to all traffic on the road you are joining, stopping if necessary.
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Reading Road Markings
A solid white centre line means you may not cross or straddle it. A broken line may be crossed when it is safe. A combination line lets the side with the broken line cross, while the solid side may not. Yellow edge lines mark the edge of the roadway, and painted arrows show the only direction you may take from that lane.
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Traffic Lights and Police Signals
Red means stop behind the line; amber means stop unless you are so close that stopping would be dangerous; green means go if the way ahead is clear. A green arrow allows movement only in that direction. A police officer's signals always override traffic lights and signs.
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Warning Signs You Will Meet Most
Common warning signs include sharp bends, steep descents, narrow bridges, slippery road, gravel road ahead, cattle or wild animals crossing, and pedestrians or children ahead. Each warns of a hazard some distance ahead: reduce speed, cover the brake and be ready to react.
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Hand Signals Every Driver Must Know
Hand signals are used when your indicators fail and when a police officer or examiner asks for them. An arm extended straight out means you intend to turn right. An arm rotated in a circular motion means turn left. An arm raised and lowered with the palm down means you are slowing or stopping.
Open lesson - Vehicle KnowledgeNot started
The Daily Pre-Drive Check
Before driving, walk around the vehicle and check tyres (condition and pressure), lights and indicators, mirrors, windscreen and wipers, number plates and any fluid leaks under the car. Inside, check fuel, oil pressure and warning lights, and adjust the seat, mirrors and head restraint before you start.
Open lesson - Vehicle KnowledgeNot started
Tyres, Tread and Pressure
Tyres must have a legal minimum tread depth of 1.6 mm across the tread, with no cuts, bulges or exposed cords. Check pressures when the tyres are cold, against the figures in the owner's manual. Under-inflated tyres overheat and wear at the edges; over-inflated tyres wear in the centre and reduce grip.
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Understanding Your Warning Lights
A red warning light means stop as soon as it is safe: oil pressure, engine temperature, brake fault and battery charge all point to damage or loss of control if ignored. Amber lights warn of a fault that needs attention soon. Green and blue lights simply confirm that a system, such as headlights or indicators, is on.
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Brakes, Clutch and Steering Basics
The footbrake slows all four wheels and should be applied progressively. The handbrake (parking brake) holds the vehicle when stationary and must never be used to stop a moving car except in emergency. The clutch disconnects the engine from the wheels for gear changes — riding it wears it out. Steering should be smooth, with both hands on the wheel.
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Loading Your Vehicle Correctly
A load must not exceed the vehicle's rated capacity, must be secured so nothing can fall onto the road, and must not obscure your lights, number plates or view. A load projecting more than 300 mm beyond the rear must be marked with a red flag by day and a red light by night.
Open lesson - Vehicle KnowledgeNot started
Roadworthiness and Vehicle Inspection
A roadworthy vehicle has working brakes, steering, lights, indicators, wipers, horn, mirrors, seat belts, exhaust and tyres, plus clear glass and secure doors. Public service and heavy vehicles must pass a Vehicle Inspectorate Department examination for a certificate of fitness, which must be renewed before expiry.
Open lesson - Defensive DrivingNot started
The Two-Second Following Rule
Choose a fixed object ahead; when the vehicle in front passes it, you should not reach it before counting two seconds. Double the gap to four seconds or more in rain, dust, fog or at night, and increase it further behind a heavy vehicle whose view you cannot see past.
Open lesson - Defensive DrivingNot started
Scanning, Mirrors and Blind Spots
Keep your eyes moving: scan far ahead, then near, then the mirrors every five to eight seconds. Mirrors do not show everything — always make a quick shoulder check into the blind spot before changing lane, pulling off or turning across traffic.
Open lesson - Defensive DrivingNot started
Driving in Rain and on Wet Roads
The first rain after a dry spell lifts oil and dust and makes roads at their most slippery. Reduce speed, increase your following distance, switch on dipped headlights, and avoid sudden braking or steering. If you aquaplane, ease off the accelerator, hold the wheel straight and let the tyres regain grip.
Open lesson - Defensive DrivingNot started
Night Driving and Dazzle
At night you can only see as far as your headlights reach, so drive at a speed that lets you stop within that distance. Dip your lights for oncoming traffic and when following another vehicle. If you are dazzled, slow down, look towards the left edge of the road and do not retaliate with your bright lights.
Open lesson - Defensive DrivingNot started
Fatigue, Alcohol and Fitness to Drive
Alcohol and drugs slow reaction time, blur judgement of speed and distance, and are a leading cause of fatal crashes — the only safe amount before driving is none. Fatigue is equally dangerous: on long trips rest every two hours, and stop and sleep if you catch yourself drifting or missing road signs.
Open lesson - Defensive DrivingNot started
Sharing the Road in Zimbabwe
Zimbabwean roads are shared with commuter omnibuses that stop suddenly, cyclists and pedestrians on narrow shoulders, ox-drawn carts and livestock in rural areas, and haulage trucks on the highways. Anticipate their behaviour, leave extra space, and never assume another road user has seen you.
Open lesson - Defensive DrivingNot started
Emergencies: Blowouts, Brake Failure and Skids
In a tyre blowout, grip the wheel firmly, keep straight, ease off the accelerator and let the vehicle slow before steering gently off the road. If the brakes fail, pump the pedal, change down through the gears and use the handbrake gradually. In a skid, release the brake and steer smoothly in the direction the rear is sliding.
Open lesson