8 July, 2025-The Pune Regional Transport Office (RTO) is set to introduce three new automatic driving testing tracks by the end of July 2025, aiming to simplify and modernize the driving license process for thousands of applicants across the city.
These new testing tracks will be located at Alandi, Dive Ghat, and Baner, strategically covering the city’s eastern, southern, and western zones. The move is part of a larger initiative by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways to promote automated and technology-driven testing systems across India, minimizing human intervention and enhancing transparency.
Each track will be equipped with AI-based sensors, CCTV cameras, and real-time monitoring systems to assess driving performance objectively. Unlike traditional methods where driving inspectors manually evaluated the applicants, the automated setup will record critical driving behaviours—such as lane discipline, gear shifting, vehicle control, and response to traffic signals—with precision.
The advanced infrastructure will include sections for reverse parking, hill starts, parallel parking, and S-turns, tailored for both two-wheeler and four-wheeler license tests. These features will ensure that applicants are tested thoroughly, based on national driving standards, and without subjectivity.
According to Pune RTO officials, the introduction of automated tracks is expected to significantly reduce the waiting time for driving tests, increase transparency in result processing, and minimize opportunities for corruption. The results of each test will be generated instantly by the system and directly linked to the applicant’s profile, eliminating manual result entry.
“The automation of driving tests will not only streamline the process but will also ensure that only capable drivers are issued licenses. It’s a step towards safer roads and efficient public service,” said an official from Pune RTO.
Pune currently processes over 600 driving license tests daily, a number that has steadily increased due to rapid urbanization and the growing number of private vehicle users. With the launch of these three tracks, the capacity of the RTO is expected to increase significantly, reducing delays and improving applicant satisfaction.
Driving schools across the city have welcomed the initiative and are adjusting their training modules to reflect the updated testing criteria. Instructors believe that the new system will encourage better preparation and discourage shortcuts in learning.
These automated tracks in Pune are part of a pilot model, and similar setups are planned for other districts in Maharashtra over the next year. If successful, this model could soon become the standard across the country.
With this shift towards digital and automated driving assessments, the Pune RTO aims to set a benchmark in transparent, efficient, and technology-enabled public services, aligning with India’s broader push for e-governance and road safety.
