Rwanda : Traffic Police Introduces Oral Tests for the Illiterate

As a way of overcoming the reading and writing barrier for driving permit seekers, traffic police has introduced oral provisional tests for the illiterate people.

The first ever special motor cycle driving test was conducted in the Eastern districts of Gatsibo and Nyagatare where a total of 1, 856 illiterate citizens participated.

According to the Traffic Police Commander, Chief Superintendent (CSP) Celestin Twahirwa, the test was organized to facilitate people in Eastern province who initially operate motor cycles in their daily activities but, do not have driving licenses

He said that the main reason for not having them is because they cannot read and write in order to undergo the normal driving exam.

He explained that the new system of conducting driving tests was part of Traffic Police efforts to ensure road safety is maintained in all parts of the country.

“The new system started with the Eastern province but plans are under way to extend it to other provinces of the country,” said Twahirwa.

Twahirwa also observed that acquiring the driving licenses by the illiterate will help them get registered by life insurance companies.

He encouraged driving license seekers to undertake literacy programs so as to access more opportunities.

Before the test, candidates had been training in traffic rules for two consecutive weeks.