LUCKNOW, Oct. 24 -- As Lucknow expands and transport authorities tighten scrutiny of driving licence applicants, the introduction of automated driving tests has coincided with an estimated 90% decline in permanent driving licence issuance. According to transport department data, the number of licences issued daily has fallen from around 250 to just 20-25, raising questions about both the accessibility of the new facility and the impact of the change in testing procedures.

The decline follows the shifting of driving tests to the Automated Driving Testing Centre (ADTC) at Uditkheda in Kakori on September 14. Applicants are assessed through sensors and video recording, reducing human intervention and the scope for manipulation.

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