Following the April 25 cabinet meeting that approved a presidential order amending a 2002 presidential decree regulating general traffic police and road traffic, police explained more on its rollout.

Speaking about the development, on national television, Rwanda National Police (RNP) spokesperson Boniface Rutikanga, highlighted the pivotal change of article six which will now allow individuals in Rwanda to, unlike before, do their driving tests using automatic transmission vehicles across all license categories.

ALSO READ: Cabinet gives green light to automatic driving tests

Rutikanga emphasized the distinct features of permits obtained through automatic driving tests. While A1 and B1 licenses for individuals with disabilities remain unchanged, other categories will include indicators demonstrating that the test was conducted using automatic vehicles.

Addressing concerns regarding proficiency in manual driving, Rutikanga clarified that drivers obtaining licenses through automatic tests must undergo additional training and testing to drive manual transmission vehicles. On the contrary, individuals with manual licenses will retain the privilege to drive both automatic and manual cars.

Regarding the testing process, Rutikanga noted minor adjustments such as the elimination of slope course (demarrage), the act of balancing the vehicle and avoiding rolling back.

ALSO READ: Automatic driving tests, licencing in final stages

Rutikanga stressed the importance of understanding traffic rules and regulations, emphasizing that driving proficiency goes beyond technical skills to encompass knowledge of traffic regulations and responsible behaviour on the road whether you drive a manual or automatic car.

In anticipation of the amendment, Rutikanga assured the public that driving test centers across the country, including Busanza driving license-testing centre, will continue to operate as usual for people undertaking manual or automatic driving tests. He urged driving schools to prepare for the forthcoming changes.

ALSO READ: PHOTOS: Police unveils ‘e-test driving license system’

Responding to inquiries about a potential shift to exclusively automatic transmission vehicles, Rutikanga cited the continued demand for manual transmission cars in the market, suggesting that a complete transition is not yet feasible.

However, individuals with manual licenses seeking to supplement their skills with automatic transmission will be accommodated.

While Rutikanga did not disclose a specific timeline for the amendment, he assured the public that its implementation would not take long.

He urged people to undertake necessary training, underscoring the importance of readiness for the impending changes in driving regulations.