Abu Dhabi to try out automated driving tests

Artificial intelligence will help instructors evaluate the skills of drivers from December

Police officers try out an automated driving test in Abu Dhabi earlier this year. Courtesy Wam
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Cars fitted with almost a dozen cameras will test the skills of learner drivers under a new smart driving test in Abu Dhabi.

Artificial intelligence will evaluate their performance from December, with cameras observing if they are checking their mirrors before performing manoeuvres such as overtaking or turning, as well as their overall driving ability.

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The vehicles were on display at the World Road Congress in Abu Dhabi.

In Dubai, the Roads and Transport Authority unveiled a similar version of the driver testing system at Gitex, one of the region’s largest technology events.

The authority's 'smart track' system connects its e-testing system with cameras and sensors so examiners can monitor a learner driver's performance.

The system promises to improve transparency by providing a more accurate picture for driving instructors.

A new application for booking limousines and Tesla vehicles through Apple and Google stores was also announced by the authority on the opening day of the week-long Gitex event at Dubai World Trade Centre.

The authority is also set to release a new app allowing users to hire a personal driver by the hour to take over the wheel and return passenger and vehicle home safely.

The free Dubai Transport Corporation (DTC) app will launch at the end of October, and will likely appeal to those incapacitated to drive or too tired to safely continue their journey home.

A minimum hire period is set at two hours, and will be priced at Dh40 per hour.

Registered users can request a driver who speaks a particular language, such as Arabic, English, Urdu or Hindi and ask for a male or female chauffeur.