[TusharK]

The Maharashtra Motor Vehicle Transport Department plans to introduce Artificial Intelligence (AI) based driving tests with an aim to scientifically evaluate the safe driving skills of the applicants, promote proper driver training, enhance awareness of traffic rules and reduce waiting times for driving license issuance.



The transport department will set up Automated Driving Test Tracks at 17 locations in the state. These include Mumbai Central, Badnera (Amravati), Buldhana, Nagpur City, Nagpur Rural, Nagpur East, Nanded, Ahmednagar, Alandi-Pune, Aurangabad, Hadapsar-Pune, Jalgaon, Saswad-Pune, Kolhapur, Nandivali Thane, Panvel, and Pen.



According to a senior official, 7 out of the 24 test assessment parameters checked before issuing driving licenses will be automated. The tracks will be designed for testing three vehicle classes: 2-wheelers, LMVs and MHCVs; and will include a figure-of-eight track, H-tracks, traffic signal tests, zebra crossing tests, zig-zag turns, gradient tests and serpentine tracks.



The tracks will be equipped with AI software to ensure minimal human intervention. Applicant identification through facial recognition will be incorporated into the system. It will also be able to simulate real-life scenarios and will generate driving test results for each type of track in real time.

Source: Mid Day

Link to Team-BHP News

[GhostGrid]

Everything will depend on how well the system is designed, implemented, and managed. This process has the potential to bring positive changes in terms of efficiency, objectivity, and fairness in the driving test process. Hoping to get a desirable result.

PS: Successful execution will impact the jobs for sure.

[frewper]

These AI-based bla bla is getting out of hand now.

Last time when the Pune (Pimpri-Chinchwad) RTO had introduced computerised tests and the failure rate was as high as 40%, there was a huge hue and cry about it and the test parameters were relaxed.

I don't see a need for a new system to be introduced now. Just seems like a fancy way of introducing new things.

[DevilzzzzOwn]

I got my DL renewed at Institute of Driving, Training and Research, PUNE in February this year.

Horrendous experience as expected.
Nothing was functional in terms of AI or Automation, aka Computerised Tests. Every single step was as manual as it could be. I knew right from the beginning that the corrupt Indian system will overcome whatever benefits the AI or Automation could and would offer.
I took 3 tests, a Figure H (Including Reverse parking), Figure 8 and Incline and stoppage and resumption on the incline. Every single step was manually monitored by Road Transport Officials (who were half the time busy talking amongst themselves or were on their mobiles) and you guessed it right. I could have failed almost half the populace based on their performance. But there were no failures. Apparently, everyone in Pune is an expert driver!!

Worst part of all this hogwash is that you still have to rely on agents for some things. Without bribe, things just don't move forward, atleast at IDTRS, Pune. Just a load of Babus making money through Agents and RTOs. Alas, Baburaj in India is rotting India from inside and all political parties and the entire system is busy making money or trying to make money. Citizens be damned.

Fun Fact: Even if you fill the application online and go to the RTO office, for the practical test, you will be made to wait till after all the Driving School students are done with their tests.

[AlphaLamb]

Such a development does need to be welcomed as a positive start, but I have my doubts on how much this will help change the scenario on the ground.

Without sounding pessimistic, going by past experiences, such measures actually making a difference in the real world are rare, I say so because the success of such measures would depend a great deal on the people in charge implementing the measures rigidly, which as is well known is skewed towards monetary and other influences rather than adherence to defined rules and regulations.

Though I have myself seen a few initiatives such as online applications on the RTO portal actually work as advertised (this was for an address change on my DL), when it comes to matters that involve a direct human component (manual supervision by RTO officials), the chances of a timely and positive outcome are almost nil.