Automated Driving Test Tracks Set to Transform Licensing in Tamil Nadu, Starting with Coimbatore
Securing a driving licence in Tamil Nadu is poised to become significantly more challenging, yet far more transparent, as the state government moves forward with plans to implement automated driving test tracks at regional transport offices. This technological shift aims to ensure that only individuals with genuine driving skills receive licences, thereby enhancing overall road safety standards across the state.
Coimbatore Central RTO Among First to Pilot New System
Coimbatore will be among the earliest cities to experience this new process, with the Central Regional Transport Office located on Dr Balasundaram Road selected as one of ten pilot sites in Tamil Nadu. According to official sources, applicants for both two-wheeler and light vehicle licences will need to substantially improve their driving skills before attempting the test. The new system employs sensor-based, technology-driven evaluation methods that leave little room for error or oversight.
The automated driving test tracks represent modern, sensor-equipped facilities that utilize advanced video analytics and artificial intelligence to conduct completely objective driving assessments. These tracks are designed to replace traditional manual evaluations with contactless, real-time monitoring of essential skills such as reverse parking, navigating S-turns, and gradient driving. The primary objectives are to enhance transparency, elevate testing standards, minimize human intervention, and generate comprehensive digital records for each applicant.
Statewide Rollout and Strategic Location Selection
The Tamil Nadu Transport Department has formalized this initiative by signing a memorandum of understanding with a private automobile firm to establish ten automated driving test tracks across the state. The selected locations include Marthandam, Tirunelveli, Coimbatore (Central), Madurai (North), Tuticorin, Krishnagiri, Dindigul, Tiruvannamalai, Sivagangai, and Trichy (West).
"These locations have been strategically chosen based on the high volume of driving licences issued in these regions," explained an official source. A senior officer from the Coimbatore Regional Transport Department noted that several other Indian states have already widely adopted similar automated testing systems to rigorously assess driving competencies.
"In Tamil Nadu, ten RTOs have been selected for the first phase of implementation. The facility will feature an 8-shaped track specifically designed for two-wheelers, an H-shaped track for car applicants, and a gradient track to thoroughly evaluate driving skills. This comprehensive setup ensures that only qualified drivers obtain licences, ultimately contributing to improved road safety," the officer elaborated.
Eliminating Malpractices Through Digital Transparency
Once operational, the automated driving test tracks are expected to completely eliminate malpractices that have sometimes plagued the manual testing process. The entire procedure will be fully digital and transparent, beginning with a photograph of the applicant at the start of the test. Performance will be continuously monitored, and marks will be awarded based on precise, sensor-recorded data.
Sensors and cameras will be installed along the tracks, with any contact with the track edges immediately detected and monitored through a centralized control console. This leaves no room for subjective judgment or oversight, ensuring that every aspect of the driving test is accounted for in the final evaluation.
Implications for Driving Schools and Applicants
The introduction of automated testing is likely to have significant repercussions for both driving schools and licence applicants. V Somasundaram, of Hitech Driving School, anticipates that the new system will necessitate more intensive and prolonged training for beginners.
"Currently, limited facilities are available in the city for novice drivers to practise. Driving schools typically offer around twenty classes, but applicants may now require nearly three months of training to successfully clear the new, more stringent test. This could lead to increased training costs, as driving schools might also need to invest in creating facilities that mimic those at the RTO," Somasundaram pointed out.
Driving instructor S Divek believes the automated system will encourage more people to enroll in professional driving schools, as passing the test without proper training will become exceedingly difficult. "In manual testing, minor mistakes are often overlooked. However, under the automated system, every action will be meticulously monitored and considered. This rigorous approach will undoubtedly result in more skilled and competent drivers on our roads," Divek concluded.
The move towards automated driving tests in Tamil Nadu marks a pivotal step in modernizing the licensing process, prioritizing skill and safety over convenience, with Coimbatore leading the way in this transformative initiative.
