Gujarat RTO Rethinks AI Driving Tracks as Failure Rates Hit Shocking 80%

Public outcry and a staggering 80% failure rate on newly introduced AI-powered driving test tracks across Gujarat have forced the State Transport Department to re-evaluate its automated evaluation system. The surge in rejections has caused massive backlogs and months-long waiting periods for driving licence applicants, prompting Gujarat Transport Minister Pravin Mali to make an unannounced inspection at Ahmedabad’s Subhash Bridge Regional Transport Office (RTO) to review the situation.

AI Precision Sparks Public Outrage as Rejections Surge

The implementation of automated test tracks across 39 RTOs in Gujarat was originally designed to eliminate human bias, banish middlemen, and bring absolute transparency to the driving licence issuance process. However, the system's unyielding strictness has triggered widespread frustration among citizens.

At the Subhash Bridge RTO in Ahmedabad—where roughly 120 four-wheeler and 160 two-wheeler applicants appear for tests daily—failure rates have skyrocketed over the past month and a half:

• Previous Rejection Rate: 55 to 60 candidates out of 120 failed under the older camera-assisted setup.
• Current AI Rejection Rate: 96 to 100 candidates out of 120 fail under the automated 16-camera system.

With nearly 80% of applicants getting rejected on their first attempt, waiting queues for re-tests have stretched into months, igniting intense discontent across the state.

Transport Minister Steps In Amid Growing Complaints

Following persistent complaints from applicants across Gujarat, Transport Minister Pravin Mali made a surprise visit to the Subhash Bridge RTO track. Minister Mali reviewed the entire testing procedure, inspected the automated track layout, and examined the exact points where candidates were repeatedly failing.

Inside sources indicate that state authorities are now actively considering modifications and relaxations in the AI track parameters to provide relief to applicants, though an official policy announcement is still awaited.

Why Are So Many Drivers Failing the AI Test?

The automated tracks evaluate candidates through 16 high-definition AI cameras without any human intervention. According to transport officials, the high failure rates stem from specific technical maneuvers and applicant oversight rather than faulty software.

The primary points of failure include:

• Parallel Parking Errors: Applicants frequently clip the side dividers while maneuvering into tight spaces.
• Gradient (Incline) Tests: Drivers lose control or roll backwards during the steep incline section.
• Signal Violations: Applicants fail to obey traffic light signals on the track layout.
• Lack of Preparation: Candidates routinely ignore the mandatory instruction videos and rule charts displayed in the RTO waiting areas, often staying glued to their mobile phones instead of understanding the track geometry.

Is There Hope for Applicants?

Despite the initial surge in failures, RTO officials note that adequate preparation makes a substantial difference. Regional Transport Officer Balamukund Suryavanshi emphasised that because the system is fully automated, candidates must familiarize themselves with the track layouts beforehand through instruction videos available at the RTO offices and on online platforms.

Data shows that around 30% of failed applicants clear the test on their second attempt once they understand the spatial requirements. Furthermore, older AI tracks in centres like Surat and Modasa have already begun recording a steady decline in failure rates as local drivers become better prepared before attempting the test.