Across the Middle East, governments are under increasing pressure to modernize public services and deliver trust-based, technology-driven systems. Nowhere is this more visible than in the realm of driver testing, where fairness, transparency, and efficiency are crucial. Traditional driving tests, which often rely on manual scoring and examiner discretion, leave too much room for inconsistency and dispute. Smart Yard technology is reshaping how parking and maneuver assessments are conducted. With countries like the UAE already leading global adoption, Smart Yards are emerging as the new standard for safe, objective, and scalable driver evaluation.
Smart yard in driver testing refers to the use of advanced systems, including sensors, cameras, and artificial intelligence, to automate and enhance the assessment of driving skills during the practical driving test. These systems aim to ensure accuracy, fairness, and efficiency in evaluating a driver's abilities in a controlled environment such as a testing yard.
The smart yard technology incorporates smart sensors, cameras, and artificial intelligence to capture driver performance. The technology then analyses data from these sensors and cameras, assessing the driver's performance against pre-defined criteria.
Smart yards are equipped with numerous sensors and cameras both inside and outside the testing vehicle, as well as around the testing area. Cameras are placed outside the vehicle to guide the examinee, and inside the vehicle to verify the identity of the driver who is taking the test. The vehicle is also fitted with more than 20 sensors to assist the examinee in avoiding a collision when approaching an obstacle.
Cameras and sensors capture the vehicle’s information, such as the use of brakes and safety belt, and relay the test images to an interactive screen at a control tower in the testing yard managed by a licensing authority. At the same time, the test inputs like information and videos are analysed by a high-speed processor on board the vehicle to assess the driver and decide on the test result i.e., Pass or Fail, without any human intervention.
Manual driving tests are being replaced because they rely heavily on human judgment, which can lead to inconsistencies, bias, and errors. In traditional systems, outcomes often depend on an individual examiner’s perception, mood, or workload, making it harder to ensure fairness and accountability. As governments aim to modernize and scale their licensing processes, these manual methods struggle to keep up with increasing applicant volumes and rising expectations for transparency.
Automated systems like Smart Yards solve these issues by using sensors, cameras, and AI to evaluate driving performance with precision, consistency, and real-time scoring. The result is a more objective, efficient, and trusted licensing process, one that aligns with both regulatory compliance and public demand for accountability.
Many countries across the Middle East are exploring or implementing Smart Yard Systems, technologically advanced testing environments designed to evaluate driver license applicants using AI, sensors, and automation. These systems aim to improve transparency, reduce human error, and align with national strategies for smart governance and digital transformation. While some countries like Dubai have adopted fully automated solutions, others are gradually integrating semi-automated technologies into their licensing processes.
Dubai’s Roads & Transport Authority (RTA) has rolled out its Smart Track or Smart Yard system across all driving test centres after a successful trial with 38,000 tests. This fully automated solution uses AI, IoT sensors, GIS, 3D imaging, and face recognition, cutting test incident reporting and video retrieval times by 75%. The system automates 32% of test-reading standards and supports the UAE’s AI and 4th Industrial Revolution strategies. Over 250 vehicles (light, heavy, bus) and 150 supervisors are equipped for this initiative, embracing 5G and paperless certification for fast, transparent results.
Abu Dhabi (UAE) The Smart Driving Test System (SDTS), developed by Tatweer MEA, is being used to capture all driver movements, from mirror adjustments to speeding, using nine cameras, ADAS sensors, and GIS tracking. Though still overseen by human examiners, it standardizes scoring and reduces subjective errors.
Ajman & Ras Al Khaimah (UAE) Both emirates introduced “smart vehicles” equipped with multiple cameras, facial recognition, and remote monitoring. They focus initially on parking, reversing, and bridge driving segments, operating semi-autonomously and reporting results remotely.
Qatar Driving schools like Dallah Driving Academy are piloting smart cars with advanced sensors and cameras that independently evaluate test performance, reducing examiner bias and improving transparency. These are set to expand across more institutions.
Morocco While not in the Gulf, Morocco adopted AI-powered cameras and computer vision for licensing assessments, part of a broader push across North Africa and the Middle East.
Smart Yards are reshaping driving assessments by shifting examiner roles toward oversight, improving fairness, and speeding up testing cycles. However, the transition hasn’t been seamless. Learners often face frustration due to highly sensitive sensors and increased failure rates. This highlights the growing need for transparent scoring and feedback systems.
Smart Yards eliminate human subjectivity by using AI, sensors, and automated scoring. This levels the playing field for all learners and enables faster testing throughout. With real-time video analytics and digital records, driving schools can scale operations and ensure consistent quality across instructors and centers.
Hyper-precise detection systems often flag minor faults that human examiners might overlook, leading to more test failures and added pressure on learners. Without proper post-test feedback, many students feel confused or demotivated. Bridging this gap with clearer evaluation reports and AI-generated improvement suggestions can ease the learning curve and reduce test-day anxiety.
Governments in the Middle East, like Dubai’s RTA, are showing that Smart Yards are more than fancy parking tests; they’re smart investments. For example, Dubai has fully automated 15 test areas (Smart Yards), processing over 108,000 tests. This automation led to a 72% increase in testing capacity and reduced the need for staff by 35%, which saves money and time for both the government and candidates.
When the RTA looks at its wider transport programs, it finds that every AED 1 spent can bring back up to AED 4.3 in benefits, from reduced traffic jams to fewer accidents. Smart Yards are part of this bigger picture, helping automate key services. Thanks to digital services, including Smart Yards, the RTA saw over AED 4.4 billion in digital payments in 2024 (a 16% increase), with 96% user satisfaction. In short, Smart Yards pay for themselves. They cut staff needs, process more tests, improve road safety, and boost public trust.
The Middle East is moving beyond automated yard tests toward fully AI-powered driver testing, from on-road performance tracking to real-time theory exam monitoring. With countries like the UAE and Saudi Arabia accelerating digital transformation in licensing, AI-based systems are set to become the new standard, offering faster, fairer, and more scalable testing nationwide.
Smart Yard technology is more than a testing upgrade. It marks the beginning of full automation and digital trust in driver licensing. By combining AI, sensors, and centralized monitoring, it lays the groundwork for smarter, fairer, and more accountable driving systems across the region.
