Driving test tracks set to go hi-tech in state by March

Patna: The state transport department is upgrading its driving test tracks with modern technology to ensure transparency and road safety. From March, all applicants for a driving licence will be required to take a mandatory test on these hi-tech tracks, which will feature automated evaluation systems.
"To facilitate the new system, test tracks will be set up in each district, equipped with modern infrastructure, including CCTV cameras. Applicants will have to undergo a manual test and those who pass will be eligible for a driving licence," a transport department official said.
The department partnered with Maruti Suzuki in Dec last year to develop these upgraded tracks. The company has already started delivering essential equipment, such as batteries and UPS systems, to district transport offices (DTOs) across the state. A state-of-the-art driving test centre is already operational at the transport complex in Phulwarisharif, Patna. Spread over 302 square metres, it serves as a model for the new hi-tech tracks.
"Driving licence test tracks in Bhagalpur, Darbhanga, Gaya, Purnia and Saran are being upgraded to hi-tech. Applicants will have to take the test under CCTV surveillance. Only those who can drive properly and follow traffic rules will be granted a licence. This will end the practice of obtaining a licence without a test and reduce road accidents," an official said.
Construction of test tracks in 26 districts has been completed while the remaining districts will have them ready by March. Applicants must submit all necessary documents when applying for a learner's licence. They will then need to pass a driving test and answer questions related to traffic rules before obtaining a full licence.
The new tracks will be designed in an "eight" shape and equipped with fixed and mobile cameras. Vehicles used for the test will also have onboard cameras, feeding real-time footage to computer systems. The automated evaluation will reduce manual intervention and results will be generated immediately after the test.
During the test, candidates must follow traffic rules, including wearing seat belts, changing lanes correctly, stopping at designated lines, parallel parking, reversing and navigating traffic light junctions. Each manoeuvre will have a specific time limit and scoring system, ensuring only competent drivers pass.