Police provided additional details on the implementation of the presidential order that amended the 2002 presidential decree governing road traffic and general traffic police after the cabinet meeting on April 25 authorized it.
Speaking about the development, Rwanda National Police (RNP) spokesperson Boniface Rutikanga emphasized on national television the significant modification to article six that will, unlike previously, permit people in Rwanda to take their driving exams in automatic transmission cars for all license classes.
Rutikanga highlighted the unique characteristics of permits acquired via automated driving assessments. Disability-related A1 and B1 licenses are still valid, while other categories will have signs indicating that the exam was administered in automatic vehicles.
Rutikanga clarified that drivers who receive licenses through automatic examinations need to go through further training and testing in order to drive automobiles with manual transmissions, allaying concerns about their level of manual driving skill. Conversely, people with manual licenses will still be able to operate both automatic and manual vehicles.
Rutikanga mentioned a few small changes made to the testing procedure, including doing away with the hill course (demarrage), leveling the car, and not rolling back.
Rutikanga emphasized the significance of comprehending traffic laws and regulations, highlighting that driving competency includes knowledge of traffic laws and responsible driving, regardless of whether a person drives an automatic or manual vehicle.
Rutikanga reassured the public that driving test facilities across the nation, such as the Busanza driving license-testing center, will continue to run normally for those taking manual or automatic driving tests in advance of the modification. He advised driving schools to get ready for the upcoming adjustments.
In response to questions on a possible switch to fully automated cars, Rutikanga mentioned the market’s ongoing need for cars with manual transmissions, implying that a full conversion is not yet possible.
On the other hand, anyone with manual permits who want to add automatic transmission to their repertoire will be accepted.
Rutikanga gave the public the assurance that the adjustment would be implemented quickly even though he could not provide a precise date.
He emphasized the need for people to get the required training, stressing the significance of being prepared for the upcoming changes in driving laws.
