Rwanda National Police

By AIP Jackson MURINDA

For years, earning a driver’s license in Rwanda felt like a never ending hustle. It has been about endless queues, long travel to test centers, delays in results, and paperwork that tested patience as much as driving skills. 

Many saw the process as cumbersome and intimidating, while others argued that Rwanda had simply set the bar high to ensure discipline and safety on the roads. That mystery has been steadily unraveled. 

Through reforms led by the Testing and Licensing Department of the Rwanda National Police (RNP), the journey to securing a license has become faster, smarter, and more accessible. Today, applying for a permit no longer means wasting weeks in line. With a few clicks, citizens can schedule tests, pay fees, and even choose where to collect their licenses.

A department born out of necessity

Initially, licensing was handled by the Traffic and Road Safety Department, but as Rwanda’s population and road traffic grew, the system was pushed to more demand. It became clear that a dedicated structure was needed.

In 2021, the independent Testing and Licensing Department was established. “The institution saw the need for a unit dedicated to licensing and upholding high standards,” explained Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Dr. Steven Rukumba, Commissioner of the department. “This has improved our capacity and efficiency.”

ACP Dr. Steven Rukumba, Commissioner for Testing and Licensing Department. To him the institution prioritized and worked hard on building a licensing system that is faster, smarter and accessible

Today, the department operates 17 testing grounds for permanent licenses and an equal number of computer-based centers for provisional permits. The numbers are impressive: in July alone, 62,136 applicants were tested. Across 2024, the figure reached 811,249.

A legal mandate with national reach

The mandate of the Rwanda National Police in matters of licensing is clearly established in national law. Article 34 of Law n° 026/2023 of 17/05/2023 governing the Rwanda National Police, published in the Official Gazette n° 22 Bis of 29/05/2023, stipulates that the Rwanda National Police is responsible for issuing licenses, including those required for driving vehicles.

This legal provision provides the foundation for the work of the Testing and Licensing Department, ensuring that the issuance of driving permits is not only an administrative function but also a statutory obligation. It affirms the department’s role as both a service provider to citizens and a critical actor in safeguarding road safety nationwide.

Technology at the heart of reform

The turning point has been the adoption of digital systems. The Busanza automated testing center in Kigali, the first of its kind, uses machines to determine results, minimizing human involvement.

“Busanza has become a model. People trust it 100% because results are based purely on performance, without bias,” ACP Dr. Rukumba explained. Plans are in place to semi-automate all permanent testing grounds.

A vehicle in- built system that communicates with Control Tower to help candidates execute instructions  before or during the test

Digitalization has also redefined the applicant’s experience. Through Irembo (www.irembo.gov.rw), Rwanda’s national e-governance platform, applicants can register, pay, and track progress online. Provisional tests are computer-based with instant results. Once successful, learners move to accredited driving schools for practice before returning for the permanent license exam. Licenses can then be collected at any of the 30 District Police Unit offices nationwide.

“Today, an applicant has control of the entire process, from registration to selecting the testing center and even where to collect their license,” said SSP Gad Ntakirutimana, Director of IT in the department.

Challenges along the road

Nevertheless, not everything has been smooth. Some applicants still struggle with digital systems, while brokers sometimes misregister candidates. “We discourage use of brokers. Anyone able should handle the process themselves for accuracy and convenience,” SSP Ntakirutimana cautioned. Paper-based support remains available to bridge the gap.

A license as a pillar of safety

Beyond convenience, licensing is treated as a pillar of road safety. “Licensing ensures drivers have the skills and discipline to protect lives. Many accidents are caused by human error, so licensing directly contributes to safer roads,” said SP Emmanuel Kayigi, spokesperson of the Traffic and Road Safety Department.

The emphasis is not only on efficiency but also on producing competent drivers who understand the responsibility of protecting lives and property every time they sit behind the wheel.

SP Emmanuel Kayigi, the Spokesperson for Traffic and Road Safety Department speaks on the importance of conducting rigorous tests to have competent drivers who understand responsibilities in protecting lives

It is in this context that applicants like Nizeyimana Ignace notice the transformation most clearly. Having gone through the old system in 2012 and recently applying for a supplementary license, his experience tells the story best.

 “Back in 2012, registering was difficult. There were delays, long travel, and endless paperwork. Today, I can do everything from my phone, registration, payment, and scheduling. The automated system is far better. This technology really beats the old, primitive way,” he said.

For Nizeyimana and many others, a driving permit is more than just a document. It is access to opportunities, sometimes even a livelihood. Making the process efficient and transparent is therefore more than a service, it is an achievement with real impact on people’s lives.

Looking ahead

The TL Department is, more than ever determined to keep improving. “We are building a licensing system for the future, faster, smarter, and more accessible,” ACP Dr. Rukumba said. 

“At the end of the day, a driving license is not just permission to drive, it is a responsibility to protect life and property on our roads.”

What was once considered a difficult and confusing ordeal has now become a modern, trusted process. Rwanda has not only resolved the mystery of owning a driving license but also set a benchmark for how technology and discipline can reshape public service.

Busanza automated Driving Test Center uses a computerized system that plays a key role in the promotion and improvement of service delivery

For definitive driving test, Busanza Automated driving Test Center provides vehicles and motorcycles to be used during test as one of the services prepaid for by the candidate