Nightmare driving instructors making your test harder than it already is? Maybe you should head to India, where the world’s first fully automated driving centre has opened. It’s all done with electronics, so you’re guaranteed a fair crack of the whip.
Read on for the full details. And when the robot hits the dashboard, we’d like you to apply the brake pedal.
The centre opened this year in Bangalore (known as the Silicon Valley of India). You register with a smart card, then rather than pootling round a public highway on a route depending on your instructor’s whim, you negotiate a paved track fitted with electronic sensors recording your every move. The human element is removed completely, guaranteeing a fair test for all.
It also means no money can change hands, as bribery was becoming rife in Indian driving tests. A site recently launched called ipaidabribe.com, dedicated to making public back handers. One post reads: “I did the driving test correctly but still the official said I was driving too slow, I realised his intention so gave him 200 Rupees and got the thing done.”
The centre was built by Cascade Systems in association with KEONICS. It was funded by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways.There are two tracks for motorcycles and five for cars.
Participants also have to complete a test of the highway code using a touchscreen, again eliminating potential for bribery.
The centre is said to be carrying out up to 200 tests a day, making for better drivers on India’s roads.
