It is a country that offers foreigners permission of one year to use international permits unlike other countries in Africa. After one year and you wish to extend your stay, you have to apply for a Rwandan driving license. While on your stay in Rwanda, you should consider the following traffic rules.

Are you planning for a self-drive trip in Rwanda or plan to work and stay in Rwanda, all these require you to have a way out in terms of your transportation. Since you are moving to or visiting a foreign country, you should take time and learn more about the traffic rules and regulations in Rwanda before you take up your decision of a self-drive trip. There are so many things to consider if you are planning to go on self drive in Rwanda.

Below are some of the main points to consider while driving in Rwanda

Flow of Traffic

Every country has a system that controls the flow of traffic depending on the number of roads available and population of natives as well. In Rwanda, driving is on the right hand side, this is one of the regulations every driver from a foreign country should consider. All motorcyclists and car drivers drive on the right hand and that is how the traffic flows, you should keep in mind to change direction of driving while driving in Rwanda. When you find a vehicle in the traffic circles please give way because they have right of way already. Knowing the traffic flow is the best idea for self-drive in Rwanda, flow what those ahead of you are doing with caution and consider those coming behind you.

Driving license & Insurance

Some of the countries have regulations on the minimum and maximum age for driving. In Rwanda, the minimum age for driving is 18yrs and elderly driver are allowed up to 75 yrs. International driving permits are accepted as long as they are valid for the period you be on yourself drive trip in Rwanda. Many car rental companies only offer comprehensive insurance which covers vehicle and property only, therefore to all visitors on self-drive in Rwanda should purchase life insurance before leaving their home countries. The international driving permit is accepted to be in use for only one year and thereafter you must acquire the Rwandese driving permit.

Types of Cars

The type of car you are looking at renting on self-drive in Rwanda also matters and the destination for your trip as well. If you’re driving license only favors class B cars then make sure to hire cars under that category, and it you have a license above B to C and more, then you can take the pride in driving you choice of cars. The Traffic officer can stop you anywhere at any time, but be at ease because it is under law to check any vehicle if need be. Make sure your luggage has nothing that will make you at tough point is the security in Rwanda. There are a number of vehicles you can hire in Rwanda, ranging from saloon cars, large SUVs, station wagons, Mini vans, coaster bus and so many more

Traffic signs

Traffic signs around the whole round are quite similar, what you have been respecting in your home country will apply as well here, but keep note on some of the signs that can change at different points. Note that many people in Rwanda especially outside Kigali city walk on foot to longer distance. Be cautious about children playing close to road highways since many of them are not paved. Respect traffic signs, they will save you any road accident or hassle with the traffic police

Main points to note while driving in Rwanda

  • Driving is on the right hand side
  • Driving while on telephone is prohibited
  • Drunken drivers are imprisoned for 24hrs and case can be take on if driver has caused any damage on the road
  • Make sure to have the valid driving permit.
  • Check your car to be in right mechanical condition.
  • Dirty vehicles are not allowed on the road, try to keep your car clean.
  • If you get any trouble on the road, contact your car rental agency immediately or reach out to the police at free toll number 112.
  • Always wear a belt and insist that your passengers do so as well.
  • Be a safe and defensive driver every day – Do not let your emotions get the better of you, no matter what the situation may be. Keep cool and calm while operating a vehicle.
  • Know how to respond to an accident – Know the basic steps to first aid should anyone be injured and require your help. Keep your first aid kit stocked up.

Qualities of a Good Driver. How Many Do You Have?

Driving a vehicle is a dream of all of us since childhood. Though we got a chance to do it much late in life, we did somehow learn to be the best at it with time. But it is said that mistakes are committed by professional drivers, hence one always needs to be careful while driving on the road. Here are some of the qualities of a good driver, check how many do you have.

Skilled

One of the most important qualities of a good driver is that he or she should be skilled enough to handle any situation on the road. A good driver should have the skills to control the vehicle in every situation.

Knowledge

Skills are not the only quality that a good driver possesses. He or she should also have proper and complete knowledge about all the necessary rules of the road. A good driver also has knowledge about his or her vehicle.

Self-Discipline

It is very easy to advise other people to drive as per rules but a being in self-discipline while driving is one of the best qualities of a good driver. Maybe crossing a red light makes you look cool for some time but also puts your life in danger while on road.

Patience

Whenever you are on the road, it is not a race who will get home, Destination or to work first, because everyone has a different destination. Hence, being patient is the best and necessary quality of a good driver.

Alertness

Not everyone is a good driver like you, there are many people on the road who are not like you. Hence, being a good driver, you must be absolutely alert all the time on the road for the safety of yourself and people like you.

Mechanical Skills

Well, not like a professional mechanic but a good driver should know the basic mechanical skills so that when the need arises, he or she can troubleshoot the basic issues of his or her vehicle.

Responsible

One of the most important qualities of a good driver is that he or she is responsible. You will not always be traveling alone in the vehicle. Hence, it is very important to be responsible and take care of the people traveling with you.

Enough Practice

Practice makes a man perfect which is the reason why you should have enough to be a good driver. Also, the more you practice, you will get more used to the situations on the road.

Care for vehicle

Being a good driver also involves taking care of the vehicle one is driving. This means keeping a check on the timely servicing of the vehicle along with fuel consumption.

Fitness

Fitness is also one of the important qualities of a good driver. If a person is fit to drive, then only he or she is provided a license to drive a vehicle, no matter which vehicle it is.

Conclusion

Keep the following key points in mind at all times. By knowing and using the information presented here, you can help prevent accidents from happening. Prevention of accidents is the goal of any defensive driving program, and it all starts with you.