Driving License in Zambia
Updated March 2026 · RTSA fees & process
Everything you need to get a driving license — RTSA fees per SI No. 25 of 2024, driving test content, license classes, and step-by-step process. Total RTSA cost approximately ZMK 951.
RTSA Fees & Costs
Provisional Driving License
Per SI No. 25 of 2024. Theory test is free. Valid 3 months.
ZMK 240
Practical Driving Test
Per attempt. Includes yard test + road test.
ZMK 87
License Printing (after pass)
License card printing fee after passing practical test.
ZMK 144
Full Driving License Card
Per SI No. 25 of 2024. Valid for 1–5 years depending on class.
ZMK 480
License Renewal
Before expiry. Expired license renewal costs ZMK 398.
ZMK 312
Duplicate License (Lost)
Requires police report + general affidavit. Expired lost license: ZMK 398.
ZMK 144
PSV Endorsement (Provisional)
Public Service Vehicle. Age 25+. After theory test.
ZMK 117
PSV Endorsement (Printing)
PSV license printing after passing practical test.
ZMK 364
Driving School Fees
Not RTSA — private driving schools
ZMK 1,500 – 4,000
How to Get a License — 5 Steps
Enrol at a Driving School
Choose an RTSA-approved driving school. Fees: ZMK 1,500-4,000 for a full course (8-15 lessons). Some schools offer intensive 1-week courses.
Get a Provisional License
Apply at RTSA with NRC, medical certificate, and 2 passport photos. Fee: ZMK 240 (SI No. 25 of 2024). Theory test is free. Online booking available via ZamPortal since July 2024. Valid for 3 months.
Complete Driving Lessons
Minimum 8-10 hours of practical training. Learn road rules, yard manoeuvres (parallel parking, 3-point turn), and highway driving.
Take the Driving Test
Book at RTSA. Fee: ZMK 87 per attempt. Test includes: yard test (parking, reversing), road test (30-45 minutes in traffic). Pass both to proceed.
Receive Your License
On passing, pay license printing fee (ZMK 144) and license card fee (ZMK 480). Full license card is collected from RTSA within 2-4 weeks.
License Classes
| Class | Vehicles | Min Age |
|---|---|---|
| Class A | Motorcycles | 16 years |
| Class B | Light vehicles (cars, vans up to 3,500 kg) | 18 years |
| Class C | Heavy vehicles (trucks over 3,500 kg) | 21 years |
| Class D | Passenger vehicles (buses, minibuses) | 21 years |
| Class E | Articulated vehicles (trailers) | 21 years |
Driving Test Content
Yard Test
- ✓ Parallel parking
- ✓ Three-point turn (K-turn)
- ✓ Reverse around a corner
- ✓ Hill start (manual cars)
- ✓ Emergency stop
Road Test
- ✓ Traffic light navigation
- ✓ Roundabout entry/exit
- ✓ Lane changing & overtaking
- ✓ Speed control & road signs
- ✓ Mirror checks & signalling
- ✓ Pedestrian awareness
Driving License in Zambia — Guide
Driving licenses are issued by the Road Transport and Safety Agency (RTSA). It is illegal to drive without a valid license — penalties include fines of ZMK 300-600 and potential imprisonment for repeat offences. RTSA has offices in all major cities.
Key Points
- Always carry your license — police roadblocks are common and officers will request it.
- Renew before expiry — driving with an expired license is the same as driving without one.
- Choose an RTSA-approved school — unofficial schools exist but their certificates are not accepted.
- Manual vs automatic — if you test on automatic, your license restricts you to automatic vehicles only.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a driving license cost in Zambia?
Per Statutory Instrument No. 25 of 2024: Provisional license ZMK 240, practical test ZMK 87, license printing ZMK 144, license card ZMK 480. Total RTSA fees: approximately ZMK 951. Add driving school fees of ZMK 1,500-4,000 for a total cost of ZMK 2,450-4,950. If you fail the test, each re-test costs ZMK 87.
How long does it take to get a driving license?
Minimum 2-4 weeks: 1-2 weeks for driving lessons, then test booking (1-2 week wait). The test itself takes 1-2 hours. License card is issued within 2-4 weeks after passing. Intensive courses at driving schools can prepare you in 5-7 days, but test booking may still take 1-2 weeks.
What happens if I fail the driving test?
You can re-take the test after a minimum 14-day waiting period. Each re-test costs ZMK 87 (per SI No. 25 of 2024). There is no limit on the number of attempts. About 40-50% of first-time candidates pass. Common reasons for failure: inadequate mirror checks, poor parking, and nervousness in traffic.
Can I drive with a foreign license in Zambia?
Yes, foreign licenses are valid for up to 90 days for visitors. For residents, you must obtain a Zambian license within 90 days of establishing residency. You can convert your foreign license at RTSA without re-testing if you have a valid license from a SADC country. Non-SADC licenses may require a test.
At what age can I get a driving license in Zambia?
Class A (motorcycles): 16 years. Class B (cars): 18 years. Class C/D/E (trucks, buses): 21 years. For Class B, you can get a learner's permit at 18 and must have a licensed driver (25+ years, 2+ years experience) with you while learning.