Women are better at clearing driving tests than men, Ahmedabad RTO data suggests

Women have matched and, in some cases, outperformed men in driving licence tests in Ahmedabad, challenging common stereotypes about their driving skills, according to data from the Regional Transport Office (RTO).

Figures from the RTO indicate that in the first attempt at driving tests for two-wheelers and four-wheelers, around 60% of men and 58% of women cleared the track test, suggesting a marginal difference in performance.

Data from the Subhash Bridge RTO over the past three financial years shows that an average of 53% of men passed the four-wheeler track test in the first attempt, compared to 54% of women.

In the financial year 2023–24, the number of women clearing the four-wheeler driving test was 11% higher than that of men, indicating a shift in trends.

For two-wheeler licences, around 84% of men and 77% of women passed the test in the first attempt, officials said.

However, data from the Vastral RTO showed some variation, with 67% of men and 47% of women clearing the track test.

Officials said the overall data suggests there is no significant gender gap in driving ability, even as social perceptions continue to lag behind changing realities.

Over the years, women have increasingly taken up driving across vehicle categories, including cars, two-wheelers, buses, auto-rickshaws and ambulances.