MUKAZA, Oct 1 (ABP) – At a time when Burundi is experiencing an increase in the number of vehicles on its roads, road safety remains a major concern. Driving schools are emerging as key players, not only in teaching people how to handle a steering wheel, but more importantly, in training responsible and disciplined drivers, according to Bonaventure Ndayizeye, director of the Sun Driving School (SURDIS), in an interview with ABP on Monday, September 29, 2025.
According to Mr. Ndayizeye, the difference between someone trained by a relative and someone who attends a driving school is clear. “We don’t just train drivers, we train road users who understand the rules, respect others, and are aware of the behaviors that prevent accidents,” he said.
He emphasized that even before taking the test to obtain a driver’s license, the traffic police require a certificate issued by a driving school as proof that the learner has properly understood driving lessons and the traffic code. “This shows the significant role of driving schools in driver training,” he insisted.
The director explained that in a driving school, the driver learns various driving techniques, overtaking rules, the meaning of road signs, and many other essential concepts. In contrast, “driving without having received training in a driving school is putting oneself and others in danger. It’s like committing suicide, because an accident can happen at any time,” he warned.
According to him, since the establishment of driving schools in Burundi, road accidents have significantly decreased, as shown by statistics published annually by the traffic police and insurance companies. However, Mr. Ndayizeye regrets the low number of driving schools, especially in rural areas. He urges the authorities to ensure there is at least one driving school in every commune, so that the majority of the population can access training on traffic rules and proper driving.
The director also pointed out several challenges facing these institutions, including difficult working conditions, lack of suitable facilities, insufficient modern vehicles equipped with dual pedals, one for the learner and the other for the instructor (a system essential for learning), and the high cost of rent.
He also mentioned the annual renewal fee for the accreditation card, set at 1,000,000 BIF, which he described as a burden that has already led to the closure of some driving schools. He called on the government to eliminate or reduce this fee to support the sector.
Mr. Ndayizeye also proposed that the State facilitate the acquisition of dual-pedal training vehicles through credit, which the driving schools could repay in installments. “If working conditions improve, the number of driving schools will increase, along with the number of professional drivers, which will ensure better road safety,” he argued.
He advocates for driving schools to be officially recognized as legitimate educational institutions as other teaching establishments, and no longer seen as garages or transport companies. It should be noted that downtown Bujumbura currently has only four legally recognized driving schools, a number Mr. Ndayizeye considers vastly insufficient.