Maruti Suzuki India has signed a memorandum of agreement with the Andhra Pradesh government to set up and maintain four Automated Driving Test Tracks (ADTTs) across the state. The ADTTs will be established at four Regional Transport Office (RTO) locations in Eluru, Ongole, Vizianagaram and Anakapalli. The company will be responsible for automation and maintenance for a period of three years from the date of commissioning.

Maruti Suzuki's managing director and chief executive officer said he was impressed by the chief minister's interest in technology and stated that the project is aligned with a vision for technology led solutions. The ADTTs will use advanced systems to provide a comprehensive, efficient and transparent testing process with zero human intervention and will ensure that only suitably skilled candidates are issued a driving licence. The firm indicated that the initiative is expected to strengthen overall road safety by reducing subjective elements in licence issuance.

Andhra Pradesh transport authorities described the automation of driving tests as a step towards greater uniformity and objectivity in assessment and said licences will be issued only to candidates demonstrating requisite driving skills. The tracks will cater to light motor vehicle and two wheeler driving licence applicants and the facility in Ongole will also serve Heavy Motor Vehicles (HMV) applicants. The ADTTs will therefore cover a broad range of vehicle categories and testing needs across the four RTOs.

The project is intended to introduce standardised procedures and increase transparency in the testing process across urban and semi urban centres in the state. Maruti Suzuki will retain operational responsibility for the automated tracks during the three year maintenance period and will oversee commissioning and subsequent upkeep. Officials expect the move to contribute to better trained drivers and improved road safety metrics over time.