Abu Dhabi’s Smart Yard Introduces AI-Driven Driving Tests Without an Examiner

ABU DHABI: Emirates Driving Company (EDC) in Abu Dhabi has launched a fully automated ‘Smart Yard System’ that allows driving licence candidates to be tested without a human examiner in the car. Using cameras, sensors, satellites, and artificial intelligence, the system monitors every action, from mirror checks to parking maneuvers, providing instant results and recorded evidence for review.

During tests, candidates follow a digital sequence of maneuvers, including side parking, angle parking, and, for manual cars, bridge crossing. Any mistakes are categorized as minor, major, or critical, with some errors corrected in real time while serious ones lead to immediate termination of the test. Results are displayed instantly, and full video playback is saved for transparency and dispute resolution.

EDC CEO Khaled Al Shemeili said the system reduces human bias, improves safety, and increases test capacity. If a car exceeds speed limits or risks collision, the AI intervenes to stop or slow the vehicle. The Smart Yard is designed like a miniature city with controlled roads, bridges, and intersections, ensuring a safe environment for testing.

Currently, the system is operating in a limited number of vehicles, but EDC plans to transition all tests to the Smart Yard in the coming months. Al Shemeili emphasized that automated testing speeds up the process and standardizes assessments, benefiting the 140,000 trainees the organisation handles annually.

Candidates may no longer have an examiner beside them, but the AI ensures every move is monitored, creating a safer, faster, and fully transparent testing experience.