Dubai’s driving tests are getting smarter. The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has announced the next phase of its Smart Test System (STS) for light-vehicle yard tests, with artificial intelligence built directly into the test cars. The update was shared through the Emirates News Agency (WAM) on Tuesday, 29 September 2026.
What The AI Will Do Inside The Car
In practical terms, the test car itself becomes the observer, tracking how you drive from the moment you start the test.
The system will monitor learner performance by analysing manoeuvres and scoring them against the official criteria, with no human examiner marking the result. Facial recognition will confirm each test taker’s identity.
The same technology will also keep an eye on in-car safety habits, such as checking your mirrors and blind spots and holding the steering wheel at the nine o’clock and three o’clock positions.
Accurate To Within Two Centimetres
Real-Time Kinematic (RTK) technology gives the STS precision of up to two centimetres, so mistakes in vehicle position and parking accuracy can be flagged. Afterwards, learners can review their results on an interactive 3D map that shows the route and exactly where major and minor faults happened. That should make a retake far less of a guessing game.
Extra Safety On The Yard
The test vehicles will also come with AI-powered collision avoidance and automated emergency braking. Sultan Al Akraf, Director of Driver Licensing at the RTA’s Licensing Agency, said the technologies are meant to create a safer, more controlled testing environment by preventing risks before they turn into accidents.
Also Read: Dubai RTA’s New Tunnel To Heavy Rains & Hail Pass Through The UAE; 5 GCC Updates
How To Get Test-Ready
With a camera doing the watching, a few habits matter more than ever:
- Make your checks obvious: Check your mirrors and blind spots clearly and deliberately, not with a quick flick of the eyes.
- Practise your hand position: Keep it at nine and three until it feels automatic.
- Perfect your parking: With measurements this precise, a rough guess at the bay will not cut it.
- Know the criteria: The AI scores against the official test criteria, so read through what the RTA expects before you book.
- Practise in busy conditions: Do not rely only on empty roads at 7am; get comfortable with heavier traffic and tricky junctions too.
The announcement does not spell out when every test centre will switch over, so keep an eye on the RTA’s official channels for the latest details before you book.
Cover Image Courtesy: Dubai Driving Centre/Wesbite
FAQs
What is changing in Dubai's driving tests?
The RTA is integrating AI into its Smart Test System for light-vehicle yard tests, so the test car monitors and scores learner performance.
Will I be able to see where I made mistakes?
Yes. Results can be reviewed on an interactive 3D map showing your route and where major and minor faults occurred.
How accurate is the new system?
Real-Time Kinematic (RTK) technology gives it accuracy within two centimetres for vehicle position and parking.
Does the AI check anything besides manoeuvres?
Yes. It confirms identity through facial recognition and monitors mirror checks, blind-spot checks and hand positioning.
