Online reactions to an article on driver’s permits

Editor, Thank you for this article Alline Akintore. I always like your ideas but on this, I will beg to differ. Our traffic police is ranked among the best in the region and I like the way you conclude by lauding them for protecting our lives.On the computerised exams, I would like to differ – remember that some of our people are still computer illiterate so if police starts this, we will not be giving equal opportunity to all citizens. So, don’t be blinded by the sympathy of your friend who waited for a whole day and forget many others who would lose out if your proposals were to be implemented. I feel sorry for your friend though.The same with manual vs automatic cars used in tests. Before you suggest to start using automatic cars, first think or ask how many of them are on the road, again if you and few of your friends have them, please make some mystery shopping around and you will find that they are still few, hence the need to continue the status quo. I am not assuming Theos Badege’s (Police Spokesperson) role here but I am a citizen who is trying to look at things in practical context. Let me end by asking traffic police, how can someone pass all exams and take more than six months without getting their driver’s permit? Can someone help us with an answer?Peter,Kigali ---------------------------------------Editor,Peter, I completely disagree! The idea that low computer literacy should dictate the pace at which we move towards full computerisation is ludicrous since using that logic would mean that we never have online business registration, online banking, online registration to a number of things. It’s almost like saying that since not everyone understands how to use an ATM card, we should all spend hours lining up in the banking hall till one and all catch up.While it will seem unfair that the computer illiterate cannot enjoy the expediency of these computerised tests, won’t it also encourage the young and old to try and catch up as soon as possible?Today, perhaps 90 per cent of my friends, family and acquaintances are driving automatic cars and while I concede, I don’t know enough people to call my survey conclusive, I do believe, especially in Kigali, the numbers do justify the putting in place the option to take the test using the kind of car you expect to drive in the near future.The idea is not to make the tests as easy as possible, it’s simply to streamline a process that has become so time consuming; it’s almost not worth it. Rwanda is moving so fast, and is yet to shy away from implementing policies that might seem a little futuristic in a regional or continental context. Why shouldn’t we take the lead here as well? Alline, thank you for highlighting a problem that has left many in Rwanda with frustration and impatience.Anne ,Kigali ------------------------------------------EditorPeter, thank you for your feedback. You raise good points. Allow me to clarify here: let me point out that a paper exam can be given at these very facilities as well – it doesn’t call for a stadium gathering. And in fact, as we aim to become the ICT hub of the region, it’s critical that we do away with excuses at every turn of the road. With regards to the use of manual cars for testing, I believe you did not understand my take on it: I asked why there cannot be two exams for both transmissions. Whichever you pass would be indicated on the permit. I am aware of the prevalence of manual cars on Rwandan roads, but I also know that the market for automatic cars is increasing worldwide, Rwanda inclusive. I am sure there is a good reason why testing is exclusively on manual cars but I think it is not fair especially if I know I will only invest in automatic cars. Let me put it this way, it is good if someone can balance a manual car on a hill for two minutes (to pass the test), but if I plan on owning automatic cars, I could care less. I hope it’s somewhat clear now.Alline Akintore,Kigali(Reaction to the article ‘The tale of the driver’s permit’, The New Times, October 22).

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Online reactions to an article on driver’s permits