Government will this year introduce driver's licence training material in vernacular languages as part of efforts to improve the quality of driving in Zimbabwe. The move is also expected to encourage prospective drivers to get licences.

In an interview, Transport, Communication and Infrastructural Development secretary Mr Munesu Munodawafa said the policy was at an advanced stage.

He said the new policy would be unveiled before June.

"Zimbabwe is now in a new era and it is only right that those with the serious intention of learning how to drive do so without hassles.

"Presenting the material in English makes it difficult for those with minimum educational qualifications to timeously get their driver's licences, yet driving is practical and can be done as long as someone understands what is being done," he said.

Mr Munodawafa said the move would go a long way in ensuring that competent drivers get licences while giving the majority equal opportunities to get one.

Apart from the three official languages Shona, Ndebele and English, Zimbabwe also has other indigenous languages such as Tonga, Nambya, Kalanga, Sotho, Venda and Shangani.

The Vehicle Inspectorate Department has over the years been marred by allegations of corruption whereby people pay to get their licences.

The situation has put road users, mostly passengers, at risk and increased the number of accidents on the Zimbabwe's roads.

Last year, a record 200 people died in road accidents during the festive season and most of the cases were suspected to be results of poor driving.