3 more automated driving test tracks for Pune district, will cover 2-wheelers & heavy vehicles too

Currently, there are two ADTT systems in the district, in Pune city and Pimpri Chinchwad, which were implemented on a pilot basis in March 2015 but solely for LMVs using eight-shaped tracks in a fully computerised system that has tested more than 3 lakh applicants so far.

At present, driving tests are mainly conducted at about 50 Regional Transport Offices across the state with manual assessment of applicants. (File/Representational)

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Pune district is all set to get three new Automated Driving Test Track systems as part of the Motor Vehicle Department’s plan to introduce ADTTs in 17 locations across the state to ensure more transparency and accountability in issuing driving licences.

The new systems will be installed at the main testing facility in Alandi with two tracks for two-wheelers and one for Light Motor Vehicles (LMVs) on a 5,500-sq-m plot; Hadapsar with one track for two-wheelers and one for LMVs on a 4,000-sq-m plot; and, in Saswad with one track for two-wheelers and one for LMVs and Heavy Motor Vehicles (HMVs) on a 14,031-sq-m area.

Currently, there are two ADTT systems in the district, in Pune city and Pimpri Chinchwad, which were implemented on a pilot basis in March 2015 but solely for LMVs using eight-shaped tracks in a fully computerised system that has tested more than 3 lakh applicants so far.

“The ADTT system will generate driving test results in real-time after completion of tests for each type of track. The system comprises video analytics cameras, workstations, servers and desktops to monitor the tests and record the results based on pre-defined test parameters,” an officer with the Regional Transport Office (RTO) said.

The system will include smartphones placed inside vehicles for LMVs and HMVs, and cameras installed outside for two-wheelers, to track among other things facial recognition, use of seatbelts and mirrors, and navigation of traffic signals and zebra crossings. Besides, a Variable Messaging System (VMS) at the track’s exit will display whether the applicant has passed, failed or needs to take a re-test.

Some of the key test formats are: eight-figure track, H-track, 3-point turn, zig-zag turns, gradient tests and two-wheeler serpentine tracks.

Other than equipment to track driving skills, there will be eye-testing equipment, Aadhaar fingerprint verification devices, and a control room at each ADTT centre to operate and monitor the system.

At present, driving tests are mainly conducted at about 50 Regional Transport Offices across the state with manual assessment of applicants.

State Transport Commissioner Vivek Bhimanwar said, “The ADTT will remove the human element from driving tests. It will be faster and more accurate with no chance of manipulation. It will be completely based on cameras and a computer system.”

Explaining the application system for ADTT, another official said, “The applicants have to book an appointment for driving tests through a system developed by the National Informatics Center (NIC) called Sarathi. The ADTT system will be integrated with Sarathi. The increase in the number of applicants over the years has placed considerable burden on motor vehicle inspectors. The manual evaluation also leads to allegations. Thus, the new technology based system will ease the service of issuing driving licences.”

Besides, the official said that while there are multiple reasons behind road accidents, driving skills have been identified as a major contributing factor. “Therefore, drivers’ perceptual and motor skills remain a key factor in road safety. It is hence important to ensure that we only permit good drivers on the road by assessing them objectively and using the latest technologies,” the official said.