DRC: President Félix Tshisekedi tests the modernization of the biometric driving license system
On Tuesday, May 13, an unusual presidential visit drew attention in Kinshasa as President Félix Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo visited the headquarters of the Driving License Production Company (SPC) — a tech-driven center dedicated to issuing new biometric driving licenses. More than just a ceremonial visit, it was an immersive tour behind the scenes of a system designed to modernize driver management in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Guided by Prime Minister Judith Suminwa, Deputy Prime Minister of Transport Jean-Pierre Bemba, and the SPC Director General, the President discovered a streamlined, digitized process. From the initial registration to the license issuance, the entire procedure has been designed to reduce bureaucratic delays. Applicants begin by selecting their vehicle category, paying a fee of 18 dollars, and then taking a series of theoretical and practical tests.
What sets this approach apart is its emphasis on competence. Aspiring drivers must correctly answer at least 12 questions on a computer before moving on to a driving simulator for the practical test. Upon passing, the digital license is issued within 48 hours. To everyone’s surprise, the President himself took part in the process — and successfully completed all steps in record time.
According to the reform leaders, the new biometric driving license marks a major milestone. It helps effectively combat fraud while ensuring that only trained drivers are allowed on the roads. Nicolas Nkane, president of the licensing commission, stated that this transformation could significantly reduce accidents caused by human error and aligns the DRC with international road safety standards.
