RTA’s live AI monitoring system revolutionises driving school oversight in Dubai

Dubai: Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has reported outstanding results from its newly launched Smart Monitoring System, which uses artificial intelligence and advanced cameras to monitor the behaviour of both driving instructors and trainees.

Over the past seven months, the system has tracked 1.73 million training sessions involving 245,764 trainees — a 14-fold increase compared to the same period last year.

Developed by the Licensing Activities Monitoring Department at RTA’s Licensing Agency, the system is part of RTA’s broader strategy to enhance service quality, promote safe driving practices, and accelerate Dubai’s digital transformation journey. It supports the RTA’s vision of becoming the world leader in seamless and sustainable mobility.

The AI-powered system is operated through the Licensing Intelligent Operations Centre and integrated with smart tablets used by inspectors. One of its most significant achievements is reducing inspection time from 20 minutes to just one minute, while increasing the number of detected violations fivefold.

Real-time, AI-driven monitoring

Installed in driving school vehicles, the system uses AI-driven smart cameras equipped with machine learning and computer vision to enable round-the-clock, real-time monitoring.

It automatically flags violations such as:

• Use of mobile phones by instructors or trainees

• Failure to wear seat belts

• Straying from designated training areas

• Lack of uniform or unprofessional appearance

• Unsafe behaviours like eating, drinking, or sleeping while driving

This smart system represents a major shift in monitoring practices, creating a safer and more professional training environment. It directly supports Dubai’s government-wide initiatives focused on digital innovation and safety compliance.

Stronger compliance

New features being rolled out this year include predictive analytics and integration of instructor performance data with licensing systems — further enhancing the framework for oversight and decision-making.

The RTA emphasises the role of training institutions in maintaining full compliance with safety regulations. Through close collaboration with strategic partners, the RTA aims to ensure that all driving schools provide services aligned with the highest standards of safety, efficiency, and professionalism.

The Smart Monitoring System not only strengthens regulatory oversight but also promotes a culture of responsibility and continuous improvement across Dubai’s driver training ecosystem.