How New Automated Driving Format Become A Barrier

The new Automated Driving Test format, which was introduced in March 2019 has become an obstacle for new learners. As per a recent study by a daily newspaper, about 50 per cent applicants failed during the learning license test.

It is acting as a “foolproof” way to ensure that unsafe drivers don’t get the driving licenses. The driving license centres are situated in Mayur Vihar, Surajmal Vihar and Rohini (later shifted to an automated centre in Burari).

The introduction of the fully automated driving tracts has led to a sharp rise in the failing of most of the applicants. Around 48.9 per cent of the applicants have failed in the test.  According to the old test format of the driving, the applicants generally gave the test on main roads and were judged by the traffic police inspectors individually. On the other hand, according to the new format, there is no manual intervention and applicants are marked on the basis of readings from sensors and CCTV cameras.

The new automated tracks have ten different test patterns that include seven for four-wheelers and three for two-wheelers. The applicants who do not deviate from the marked lines in tracks within the specified time, clear the test. The applicants are required to drive their cars on uphill, go around an ‘8’ loop and reverse their car on ‘S- shaped’ bend. The two-wheelers are required to prove their driving skills on serpentine tracks.

After the Automated Test, the failed applicants have raised from 14.21 per cent to 51.98 per cent at the Mayur Vihar driving test centre while it rose from 23.88 per cent to 40.78 per cent at Surajmal Vihar driving test centre. At the recent centre of Burari, nearly 73 per cent of the applicants have failed in their driving tests.