Rwanda National Police (RNP) launched its inaugural driving tests using automatic transmission cars on Monday, September 9, with 27 candidates taking the practical tests across four sites.

In the capital Kigali, the Busanza Automated Driving Centre saw 22 candidates sit the tests, while the two centres in Gahanga-Kicukiro and Nyarugenge had three and two candidates, respectively. The Musanze-based test centre had one candidate, according to RNP.

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Marie Faustine Iradukunda, one of the candidates, expressed her excitement after completing the test.

"With the number of automatic transmission cars increasing and my dream being to drive one, I was thrilled to hear that the tests would be offered today," Iradukunda told The New Times, after passing the test at the Busanza centre.

"I studied hard to pass because, like any other exam, you need to plan, prepare, and then execute.”

Chief Superintendent of Police Emmanuel Hitayezu, the director of testing in the Testing and Licencing Department at RNP, explained that the introduction of the tests followed public demand.

"Rwandans have long requested driving tests for automatic transmission vehicles. After thorough consideration, a presidential order was issued as part of the regulations for road usage, including automatic driving licenses," he said.

He debunked the assumption that that the tests using automatic transmission vehicles would be easier than those using manual transmission.

"Some believe these tests are simple, but they are only straightforward for those who are well-prepared. Today, some candidates passed, while others did not,” Hitayezu said, without specifying the number of those who passed.

He also clarified the differences between the driving licenses for automatic and manual transmission vehicles.

"Drivers with the licence for a manual transmission car can operate both manual and automatic vehicles, but those with the license for an automatic transmission vehicle are restricted to only automatic transmission cars.

"However, as automatic transmission vehicles become more common, many drivers are opting for automatic licences,” he noted.

Hitayezu reassured the public that the introduction of the driving tests would not lead to an increase in accidents.

"Only skillful drivers can pass these tests. You cannot pass without demonstrating the necessary driving skills,” he said.

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"We encourage people to attend driving schools, whether for automatic or manual transmission cars, to adequately prepare for their tests.

"Many of those who failed today admitted that they underestimated the test and did not prepare well enough," he added.

While there was a shortage of automatict transmission cars for the tests on the Monday, Hitayezu assured that the police are working with driving schools to increase the availability of these vehicles.

He also mentioned that the testing capacity is currently underutilized, with 100 candidate slots available daily.