Nekundi confirms plan to lower public transport drivers’ age to 21
The works and transport ministry is preparing to reduce the minimum age requirement for a Professional Driving Permit (PDP) from 25 to 21 years — a move aimed at easing employment barriers for young drivers while retaining strict safety standards.
Responding to media queries following his directive that all e-hailing companies ensure drivers hold a PDP, transport minister Veikko Nekundi said the current age restriction was introduced in response to rising fatal crashes involving young professional drivers.
“The rationale behind the age requirement of 25 years for a PDP was in response to the increasing number of fatal crashes and driving under the influence of alcohol cases involving professional drivers in the age range of 21 to 25 years,” Nekundi explained. “This was done to try and reduce road crashes and improve road safety in Namibia.”
Balancing safety with jobs
Nekundi admitted the restriction has had unintended consequences.
“The issue around the age restriction of 25 years has been discussed after several concerns were raised about its impact on unemployment,” he said. “A decision was made to return the age requirement to 21 years in the future, provided a training programme is developed to enhance the knowledge and skills of drivers.”
He stressed that the PDP requirement applies not only to e-hailing services, but across the entire public transport sector, covering all vehicles carrying passengers or goods for reward.
To qualify, applicants must hold a valid driver’s licence for the relevant vehicle category, undergo a medical test, pass a criminal record check, and complete specialised training. “All these requirements are in place to ensure that professional drivers meet industry standards, promote road safety, and comply with regulations,” he said.
Calls to lower it to 18 dismissed
Addressing calls to align the PDP age with the voting age of 18, Nekundi was firm: “The argument is incomparable because the impact of that decision on society could be significant in case of accidents. It is not about making money or creating employment, but about using the road safely and saving lives.”
Namibia ranks among the top five African countries for road deaths and injuries. Nekundi emphasised that reforms must be balanced with the national goal of improving safety, in line with the UN’s Decade of Action for Road Safety 2021–2030, which seeks to halve global traffic deaths by 2030.
Although no timeline has been given, the ministry’s move signals a significant policy shift — one that could create new opportunities for younger drivers while keeping road safety at the centre of public transport regulation.
Responding to media queries following his directive that all e-hailing companies ensure drivers hold a PDP, transport minister Veikko Nekundi said the current age restriction was introduced in response to rising fatal crashes involving young professional drivers.
“The rationale behind the age requirement of 25 years for a PDP was in response to the increasing number of fatal crashes and driving under the influence of alcohol cases involving professional drivers in the age range of 21 to 25 years,” Nekundi explained. “This was done to try and reduce road crashes and improve road safety in Namibia.”
Balancing safety with jobs
Nekundi admitted the restriction has had unintended consequences.
“The issue around the age restriction of 25 years has been discussed after several concerns were raised about its impact on unemployment,” he said. “A decision was made to return the age requirement to 21 years in the future, provided a training programme is developed to enhance the knowledge and skills of drivers.”
He stressed that the PDP requirement applies not only to e-hailing services, but across the entire public transport sector, covering all vehicles carrying passengers or goods for reward.
To qualify, applicants must hold a valid driver’s licence for the relevant vehicle category, undergo a medical test, pass a criminal record check, and complete specialised training. “All these requirements are in place to ensure that professional drivers meet industry standards, promote road safety, and comply with regulations,” he said.
Calls to lower it to 18 dismissed
Addressing calls to align the PDP age with the voting age of 18, Nekundi was firm: “The argument is incomparable because the impact of that decision on society could be significant in case of accidents. It is not about making money or creating employment, but about using the road safely and saving lives.”
Namibia ranks among the top five African countries for road deaths and injuries. Nekundi emphasised that reforms must be balanced with the national goal of improving safety, in line with the UN’s Decade of Action for Road Safety 2021–2030, which seeks to halve global traffic deaths by 2030.
Although no timeline has been given, the ministry’s move signals a significant policy shift — one that could create new opportunities for younger drivers while keeping road safety at the centre of public transport regulation.
Comments
Ludwig Kasama
Good move minister, when is the specific day ? People are enquiring here and there at all natis offices.