First automated drivers’ testing facility opens, registers steep fall in applications

The Capital’s first operational automated drivers’ testing facility has triggered a steep fall in the number of daily applications for fresh drivers’ licences.

Located at Sarai Kale Khan, the applicants for fresh drivers’ licences at the Delhi Transport Department’s Sheikh Sarai regional transport office (RTO) are being referred to the facility to showcase their skills on the CCTV-monitored, automated test track.

From the previous daily average of 300 fresh applications, the number of applicants has now fallen to 120, said a source.

On an average, 50 to 60 drivers being made to take the test, fail on a daily basis, the source added.

Part of a larger project to institute such tests at all regional transport office in the Capital, the said tracks, equipped with cameras and sensors, will soon be developed at the Transport Department’s facilities at Hauz Khas, Burari, Jharoda Kalan, Dwarka, Mayur Vihar, Pratap Nagar, Surajmal Vihar, Loni Border, Rohini, Raja Garden and Shakur Basti.