In a strong commitment to improve both road safety and driver competency in Uttarakhand, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has inaugurated a feature-rich new Automated Driving Test Track (ADTT) at both Haridwar and Rishikesh. Developed by Maruti Suzuki India Limited as a part of their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) efforts, the ADTT tracks are the latest endeavor to improve standards for driving license testing using advanced technology and transparency.
The ADTT environment uses high definition cameras with integrated IT systems allowing 100% automated and unbiased testing to evaluate Light Motor Vehicles (LMVs) and two-wheelers. These ADTT were built in full compliance with the Central Motor Vehicle Rules (CMVR), as designed without human involvement, resulting in impartial assessment for all drivers.
Third ADTT in the State
With the addition of two new ADTTs, Uttarakhand now has three ADTTs, including one in Dehradun, which commenced operation in 2019. The Dehradun ADTT had already been commended by the Chief Minister for its focus on promoting excellence and governance in transport services.
Government and Maruti Suzuki Partnership
At the inauguration, Brijesh Kumar Sant (IAS), Secretary of the Transport Department, the government had partnered with Maruti Suzuki for many years, starting with the launch of the Institute of Driving and Traffic Research (IDTR) in Dehradun in 2009. He noted the importance of skilled drivers in contributing to safer roads, sharing that the government has mandated refresher training for commercial drivers prior to undertaking the Char Dham Yatra, again with the support of Maruti Suzuki.
An Advocate for Competent Licensing
Rahul Bharti, Senior Executive Officer, Corporate Affairs at Maruti Suzuki, noted the importance of ADTTs in helping to filter out drivers who are unprepared to take the driving tests. He observed and planned to train over 11,000 commercial drivers in refresher courses this year.
The automated systems may result in low pass rates initially - evidenced by the Dehradun site, with a reduced pass rate in FY 2019-20 of 60%, improved pass rates were noted up to time of writing to 69% - this is expected as there is a change in behaviour by applicants to be trained and prepared well ahead of attempting the driving tests.
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