Rwanda National Police (RNP), on Friday, unveiled a computer-based driver testing center at Muhima in Nyarugenge district where provisional driving license exams will be undertaken.
The center which is based in Muhima has the capacity to host 68 well-seated people taking their computer-based tests in 20 minutes and it will be operational for 10 hours every day.
Police plans to increase the centers from the current 18 to 30 centers meaning a center for every district in the country. The districts which have centers are; Nyarugenge, Rwamagana, Kayonza, Nyagatare, Kirehe, Bugesera, Nyamasheke, Karongi, Rutsiro, Ngororero, Rubavu, Muhanga, Ruhango, Huye, Gisagara, Nyaruguru, Musanze, and Gicumbi.
The centers will enhance transparency and save time.
Commissioner of Police (CP) John Bosco Kabera, the RNP spokesperson said the center will benefit those seeking the licenses and the police.
"This center is helping us avail our services to many people and it will also provide a comfortable environment for the examinees because previously exams were taken in stadiums and some would sit under the sun which is uncomfortable.”
He added that it will be time-saving as they can immediately know their results.
This was reiterated by Jean-Pierre Ndayishimiye, one of the examinees who was told he had passed the exam a few minutes after sitting for the exam.
"The system is beneficial because it helps you to know the results immediately and in case of failure, it is much easier to build on the knowledge you already have instead of starting from scratch,” the 18-year-old said.
Previously, after sitting the exam, the respondents had to wait for two weeks or more for the announcement of results.
Among other benefits, exams are taken depending on people's availability which is different from before as people had to avail themselves for the exams on the dates set by the police.
What do you need to take the exam
After choosing the date and time, and registering on Irembo, Ndayishimiye and other examinees passed by the reception where they show proof of their registration, a registration number from Irembo on SMS in Ndayishimiye’s case, and confirm their identity.
Upon clearance, they proceed to a waiting section where a police officer explains the examination guidelines with a screen that keeps displaying computer usage guidelines. Then they are welcomed to enter the examination hall, take their seats on the computers and begin the exam. After 20 minutes, the exam is stopped and marks are immediately displayed to show the examinee has passed the test or not.
RNP plans to provide better services
In its efforts to provide better services, RNP is also setting up a center for automated practical driving exams at Busanza-Kicukiro District due next year, according to CP Kabera.
This center, he noted, will be having the computer-based exams for the provisional driving license and practical driving license exams. He added that the latter can be accessed by an examinee upon passing the former instantly.
The center will also check the health conditions for eligibility to drive an automobile.
Among other efforts, CP Kabera said RNP is planning to build other mechanical inspection centers notably in Musanze, Huye and Rwamagana to reinforce the Kigali and mobile ones.