Driving tests to become computerized in six months — report
Tablets, cameras and text messages will replace paperwork under Transportation Ministry plan to cut waiting times
Sue Surkes is The Times of Israel's environment reporter
The era of robots replacing humans will take another step forward — or at least make a very cautious right turn — in around six months when driving tests in Israel become computerized.
Cameras and tablet computers will largely take the place of examiners as the Transportation Ministry seeks to improve services, cut test waiting times from three months to three to five days, and reduce the number of driving lessons failed candidates have to take between tests, Hadashot news, formerly Channel 2 news, reported Sunday.
Under the new system, candidates and examiners will be matched and notified of the date and time of the test, by text message, according to the report.
On the appointed date, the examiner will press a button to find the name and details of the candidate (and to check that he or she has paid for the test) before selecting a route from a database that will be guided by GPS.
The entire test will be filmed by in-car cameras and at the end, all that the examiner will have to do is to go through a list of driving skills and place a mark where the candidate failed.
At the end of the test, the examiner will send the data to a central computer, and within half and hour, a text will be sent to the examiner and the candidate to say whether the learner driver made the grade.
Candidates who do not meet the mark will be able to view the camera footage and other data before deciding whether it is worth lodging an appeal.
“This is a revolutionary reform that constitutes a quantum leap in practical driving tests,” Transportation Minister Yisrael Katz said.
The Times of Israel Community.