Ghaziabad Implements New Licence Rule, Mandates Simulator-Based Driving Test

A new rule mandating simulator-based driving tests for obtaining a driving licence came into effect today, December 1, in Ghaziabad. The district’s first Accredited Driver Training Centre (ADTC) has become operational, introducing a fully digitised, camera-monitored evaluation process aimed at improving road safety.

According to the Regional Transport Department, all applicants will now undergo a simulator test along with the on-ground driving assessment. Every movement of the vehicle will be recorded through 108 high-resolution cameras installed at the centre. The pass or fail decision will be made only after reviewing both simulator data and camera footage.

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Officials believe the new system will ensure that only genuinely skilled and well-trained drivers qualify. Until now, manual driving tests conducted at the Regional Transport Office (RTO) were often considered a formality, enabling even inexperienced drivers to secure licences and contributing to rising road accidents. On average, 225 people currently take the manual test each day in Ghaziabad.

The ADTC, equipped with advanced testing infrastructure, will be run by a private agency, though the final evaluation authority remains with transport department officials. Every driving action, steering, braking, lane discipline, indicator use, and adherence to traffic rules will be recorded and stored securely for future reference.

Transport authorities expect a decline in the presence of touts outside the RTO, many of whom claim to help applicants pass tests illegally in exchange for large sums of money. With unbiased, video-verified assessments in place, such practices are expected to reduce significantly.

Over 5,000 applicants are tested each month in Ghaziabad. With stricter evaluation norms, officials anticipate that the number of candidates appearing for tests may drop by up to 50 per cent, potentially raising concerns over longer waiting lists. However, authorities maintain that arrangements are being explored to prevent delays.

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The driving simulator replicates a real vehicle, featuring a steering wheel, gears, pedals, indicators, switches, and speed controls. Operated through specialised hardware and software, it functions as a behavioural lab to assess a driver’s practical skills and rule awareness.

“Only those who genuinely know how to drive and understand traffic regulations will pass the test,” said Manoj Kumar Singh, Assistant Regional Transport Officer.