Punjab has launched Pakistan’s first Artificial Intelligence-powered driving test car to modernize its licensing system, developed on the special instructions of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif. The initiative, designed and built by the Traffic Police, introduces a smart vehicle aimed at making driving tests transparent, fully automated, and free from human influence. Authorities say the project reflects an effort to streamline testing procedures and improve the accuracy of driving assessments.
According to DIG Traffic Waqas Nazir, the AI-powered car is equipped with advanced cameras and sensors capable of automatically evaluating a candidate’s driving performance without intervention from an examiner. Inside the vehicle, a facial recognition camera and biometric fingerprint scanner verify the identity of each applicant, while four external cameras record driving behavior throughout the test. This combination of technologies allows the system to produce a comprehensive and impartial record of the candidate’s performance.
When a candidate sits in the car, the system activates automatically, issuing test instructions and displaying a countdown timer. It also checks for essential safety measures, such as the application of the handbrake and fastening of the seatbelt before the test begins. The AI-based system is programmed to detect violations and can automatically declare a failure if specific conditions are not met, for example if a candidate engages reverse gear more than once during the assessment. Test results are updated instantly within the system, eliminating the need for manual data entry or paper-based scoring.
The AI-based driving test car will initially be deployed in Lahore as part of the pilot phase. Authorities have confirmed that 200 such vehicles are planned for production during the current fiscal year and will be distributed to licensing centers across Punjab. By integrating biometric verification, real-time performance analysis, and automated scoring, the initiative aims to enhance fairness in driving tests while also reducing the administrative burden on staff. Officials believe that this approach will support more consistent and efficient testing processes, benefiting both applicants and the provincial licensing system.
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