What is Dereva?
Dereva is Rwanda's online platform to study for the provisional driving licence (PDL) theory test, take timed mock exams, and book practical lessons with licensed tutors or driving schools, in Kinyarwanda, English, or French.
Questions & answers
Common questions for anyone preparing for Rwanda's provisional (PDL) theory test or practical driving lessons on Dereva.
PDL & getting started
Who is Dereva for?
Anyone preparing for a Rwanda driving licence: first-time learners, residents upgrading categories, and foreign residents or long-stay visitors who will sit theory and practical tests through Rwanda's official channels (Irembo / RNP).
Which languages can I use?
The app UI and curriculum content are available in Kinyarwanda, English, and French. You can study theory and sit mock exams in any of these three languages, matching official RNP theory options.
Is Dereva free?
You can create an account and preview some content. Full theory study (modules, drills, mock exams) requires a classroom pass. Practical lessons are paid to your tutor or driving school; Dereva does not take a commission on lesson fees. Online pass payments use Mobile Money or PayPal where enabled.
How do I sign up?
Tap Create account, enter your name, email, and password, and choose your district. Verify your email if prompted. Then open Learn to start theory or Driving Practice to compare tutors when you are ready for practical training.
Theory learning (Learn)
What is a classroom pass?
A classroom pass unlocks the full Learn area for a set period: official curriculum modules, practice drills, and scheduled mock exams. Each learner needs their own pass; passes cannot be shared.
Does Dereva replace Irembo or the RNP test?
No. Dereva helps you prepare. When you are ready, you book and pay for the official provisional theory exam on Irembo and sit it at RNP. Passing a Dereva mock exam is good practice but does not replace the official test.
What are modules and drills?
Modules are structured lessons from the official syllabus. Drills are shorter question practice by topic. Your progress is saved so you can continue where you left off and see weak areas on your Journey page.
Can I change licence category (e.g. B to C)?
Yes, where rules allow. Update your target category in Profile when prerequisites are met. Tutor matching and lesson booking follow the category you select (manual vs automatic where applicable).
Mock exams
Why take mock exams on Dereva?
Mocks simulate the real exam: one timer for the whole paper, free navigation between questions, and scoring out of 20. They help you build speed and confidence before Irembo.
How do I join a live mock session?
Open Learn → Mock exam, pick a scheduled session, and tap Remind me if you want an alert. Join within the first minutes of the start time; late entry may close the slot. You need an active classroom pass or trial access.
What score do I need to pass a mock?
The pass mark is shown in the app (typically 12/20, aligned with exam style). Your best scores and streaks appear on Journey so you can track readiness.
Practical lessons & driving practice
When should I start practical lessons?
Many learners begin practical training while studying theory or after strong mock results, your tutor or school can advise. Book when you have time for regular lessons and can reach the practice area you chose.
Should I book an independent tutor or a driving school?
Both are on Driving Practice. Schools (cooperatives) may offer several tutors and vehicles; independent tutors set their own schedules and passes. Compare rankings, districts, vehicles, and pass options before you pay.
What are tutor passes?
Tutor passes are bought per instructor or school: day, bi-weekly, monthly, or quarterly options depending on what they offer. Validity is shown at checkout. They are separate from your theory classroom pass.
How do I pay for lessons?
Follow checkout on Dereva when booking (Mobile Money / PayPal where enabled) or pay as agreed with your tutor or school. Lesson pricing and on-road conduct are between you and the instructor; Dereva facilitates booking and ticket verification.
What is the QR lesson ticket?
After you pay and schedule, you get a digital ticket with a QR code in the app. Show it on lesson day; your tutor or school scans it to confirm attendance.
How long is my ticket valid?
Lesson tickets are valid for the calendar day you booked, using Kigali time, until end of that day, not for other days unless you rebook within the allowed window.
Can I change my lesson date or get a refund?
You may rebook to a new slot within the period shown in the app. After that rebook window ends, an unused ticket is forfeited and there is no refund (see Terms). This keeps schedules fair for tutors and schools.
What if I am late for a lesson?
Arrive at the booked time. If you will be more than about an hour late, contact your tutor immediately so they can try to rearrange before end of day. Delays caused by you that waste the slot are your responsibility; Dereva does not refund for missed practice because of student delay.
Official RNP / Irembo exams
How do I book the official theory exam?
When Dereva shows you are well prepared (and you meet RNP rules), register and pay for the provisional theory test on Irembo with your ID documents. Dereva does not register you for the official exam.
If I pass mocks on Dereva, will I pass at RNP?
Mocks improve your chances but do not guarantee the official result. Exam conditions, nerves, and policy changes can differ. Keep practising weak categories until you consistently pass timed mocks.
Account & support
Can I share my account or pass with family?
No. One person per account. Classroom and tutor passes are personal. Sharing logins violates Terms and can lead to suspension.
I am a foreign resident, can I use Dereva?
Yes. Register with a valid email, study in English or French if easier, and save passport or foreign ID in Profile if helpful for your Irembo application. Official licensing rules still apply through RNP.
How do I get help from Dereva?
Use Contact us (name and email fill from your account when signed in). We aim to reply within 24 hours. You can also email support@dereva.rw or ask your driving school if you enrolled through them.