Automated Driving Test System
The State Government has taken the onus of
fully computerising RTOs in all the districts of Gujarat making it easier for
the citizens to avail services. Subsequently, many important measures have been
taken to make RTOs more sophisticated. However, one initiative that stands
apart is the ‘Automated Driving Test System’.
Gujarat is one of the fastest developing
states of India, and it has one of the finest road networks in the country. The
overall socio-economic development and roads of better quality have also led to
a surge in the number of vehicles on roads. While this is good news, it has
also presented us with some challenges, such as, road accidents.
The Gujarat government realizes that road
accidents can be controlled through proper measures. Creating awareness of road
safety measures, road signs and proper behaviour roads can go a long way in
reducing road accidents. Many lives can be saved if drivers are trained
properly and their driving skills are put to stern tests, before they are
allowed to take a vehicle on the road. Thus, the government had taken a
concerted drive to introduce computerised knowledge test, which has been
successfully accepted in the state.
The Automated Driving Test System
effectively tests the driving skills of a person seeking a license. It is a
simple yet a very advanced solution. The track is outlined with electronic
sensors, and CCTV cameras capture the activity on the track. The track presents
the test-taker with a series of real-life like driving challenges such as
Up-gradient track, reverse ‘S’ track, parking test, and forward ‘8’ track.
There is also a ‘Serpentine Track’ especially for two wheelers. One simply has
to drive according to the instructions provided without touching sensors on the
sides of the track. For each test-driver a unique electronic identity is
created in the computer system, which records the progress of the vehicle on
the track. The CCTV sends live video feed to the control room which is recorded
in the system as well. The computer knows whether one has violated sensors and
upon completion generates a report instantly. Immediately afterwards, one is
told, with proof, whether she or he has ‘Passed’ or ‘Failed’ the test.
Gujarat State transport department can
probably boast of having more number of automated test tracks than present in
the entire country. Currently there are 21- two wheeler test tracks and 16 four
wheel test tracks are under development in the state.
J P Gupta, IAS
Commissioner of Transport - Gandhinagar
