The foundation stone for Karnataka’s first automated driving test track was laid in Puttur, Dakshina Kannada district, marking a significant step towards modernizing the state’s driving license issuance process. The facility, located at the Regional Transport Office (RTO) premises in Puttur, is expected to be operational within six months.
Project Details and Timeline
The automated track, spanning approximately 1.5 acres, will feature advanced sensors, cameras, and software to evaluate driving skills without human intervention. According to Transport Commissioner C. Mallikarjuna, the project costs around ₹2.5 crore and aims to eliminate manual errors and corruption in driving tests. “This system will ensure fair and transparent assessments, reducing the scope for middlemen,” he said.
How the Automated Track Works
The track includes eight specific maneuvers such as parallel parking, hill start, and reverse turning. Sensors detect vehicle movements and automatically score the driver’s performance. If a candidate fails, the system provides instant feedback on mistakes. The entire test is recorded on video, which can be reviewed later if disputes arise.
Officials stated that similar tracks will be set up in other districts based on the success of this pilot project. Currently, Karnataka has 47 RTOs, but only a few have basic driving test facilities. The automated track is part of the state’s broader plan to digitize transport services under the ‘Digital India’ initiative.
Impact on License Seekers
More than 200 driving tests are conducted daily at the Puttur RTO. With the automated track, the capacity is expected to increase by 30%, reducing wait times for applicants. “We will also introduce online slot booking to streamline the process,” added Mallikarjuna. The track is designed to test both two-wheelers and four-wheelers, with separate lanes for each.
Local residents and driving school owners welcomed the move. “Automated tests will ensure that only skilled drivers get licenses, which will improve road safety,” said M. Shashidhar, a driving instructor in Puttur. However, some expressed concerns about the cost of implementation and maintenance. Officials assured that the track will be maintained by the RTO with annual service contracts.
Broader Context: Road Safety in Karnataka
Karnataka recorded over 10,000 road accident deaths in 2023, with driver error being a leading cause. The transport department believes that stricter testing can reduce these numbers. The automated track aligns with the Motor Vehicles Act, 2019, which mandates scientific testing for driving licenses. Similar automated tracks are already operational in states like Maharashtra and Gujarat.
The Puttur track is expected to serve as a model for other districts, with plans to replicate it in Mangaluru, Udupi, and later in Bengaluru. The state government has allocated ₹50 crore for modernizing RTOs across Karnataka.
