Get All Access for $5/mo

Not Science Fiction, Automated Driving License Tests Now a Reality With a single smartphone on the car's windshield, the technology cuts down on costs required for automation and reduces the subjectivity attached to any human evaluation.

By Debroop Roy

Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

You're reading Entrepreneur India, an international franchise of Entrepreneur Media.

360b | Shutterstock.com

For many, the process of getting a driving license in India is still a distant thought. A research project by global tech giant Microsoft is trying to make it easier.

In a first, the Microsoft-powered project—Harnessing AutoMobiles for Safety (HAMS)—has found takers at the regional transport office (RTO) in Dehradun, Uttarakhand. The test, erstwhile conducted by a human evaluator, would now be possible with a smartphone attached to the windshield.

In 2017, a 10-city survey conducted by SaveLIFE Foundation found 59% of the respondents had not given a test to attain their driving license.

"The main challenge in the traditional driver's license test is the burden placed on human evaluators and the resulting subjectivity that a candidate faces," Microsoft Research India's deputy managing director Venkat Padmanabhan said in a statement.

Why HAMS?

"HAMS stems from a line of work that I started, along with colleagues, when I returned to India from the US a decade ago and was aghast at the chaotic traffic on the roads," Padmanabhan said.

According to the statement, while some RTOs in India are using automation via extensive infrastructure such as pole-mounted video cameras along the length of the test track, HAMS' technology costs much lesser.

A view from inside the vehicle also tests the participant more thoroughly, for instance, by checking if the driver looked at the mirrors before changing lanes.

"Due to the comprehensive nature of testing, just about 50 per cent candidates pass the test, ensuring that only qualified drivers are given a driver's license," said Akshay Nambi, who started the project with Padmanabhan in 2016 and is currently a senior researcher at Microsoft Research India.

In case of a disagreement, a participant also has the option to see the video recording later.

The technology also makes "the process objective and transparent for candidates", Padmanabhan said.

How Does It Work?

HAMS uses a smartphone's front and rear cameras, and other sensors to monitor the driver and the road simultaneously. The project uses advanced artificial intelligence, the statement said.

For driving tests, it has been customized to include features such as precise tracking of a vehicle's trajectory during designated test manoeuvres.

Soon after a driving test is over, HAMS produces a detailed report.

Debroop Roy

Former Correspondent

Covering the start-up ecosystem in and around Bangalore. Formerly an energy reporter at Reuters. A film, cricket buff who also writes fiction on weekends.
Science & Technology

Use This Framework to Successfully Integrate AI Into Your Business Operations

Here's how to ensure both innovation and compliance when using AI in your organization.

Growing a Business

5 Effective Strategies to Boost Your Business's Online Presence

Boosting your online presence in 2025 is the key to success for businesses looking to grow. Working on your branding and reputation management is important to drive more sales and improve conversion.

Growing a Business

Why Business Owners Should Streamline Their Operations Now for Success in 2025

As the holiday season and year-end approach, business owners face heightened operational demands, from inventory management to spend control. By streamlining these processes and partnering with flexible suppliers, businesses can maintain efficiency, meet customer needs and focus on growth while navigating this busy period.

Business News

Apple Is Adding ChatGPT to iPhones This Week. Here's How It Works.

ChatGPT will take over questions that Siri can't answer.

Marketing

He Pitched His First Business at 12 and Sold a Company for 8 Figures When He Was 23. Here's This Gen Z Marketing Expert's Next Big Move.

Griffin Haddrill built a marketing empire working with artists like Justin Bieber and Lil Nas X. Learn how he tapped into Gen Z's digital culture and turned viral campaigns into a business model.