Russia Proposes Using AI to Test Future Drivers

AI‑Driven Exams for Real Driving Skills

In Russia, regulators are considering a major update to the theoretical portion of the driver’s license exam using artificial intelligence. The idea was proposed by Alexander Kholodov, Deputy Chairman of the Public Chamber’s Commission on Security, who emphasized that AI could make the testing process more objective and better aligned with real‑world road behavior.

Kholodov noted that the current exam format often turns into a memory exercise: many students simply memorize the correct answers rather than learning to interpret traffic situations. An AI‑based system could automatically generate new versions of questions based on the text of Russia’s traffic regulations, including dynamic, on‑the‑fly scenarios that prevent memorization and require true understanding.

Removing Contradictions and Improving Safety

Many experts agree that the existing bank of exam questions needs an overhaul. Some questions contain contradictions, while others are only loosely connected to the principles of road safety. AI‑generated tasks could correct these inconsistencies and shift the focus toward assessing real‑world decision making.

Importantly, there are no technological barriers: algorithms can generate varied driving scenarios, select appropriate images, adjust parameters, and assemble a unique test for every examinee. This capability makes the exam more resistant to cheating and better reflects the complexity of modern road conditions.

A Modernized Exam for a New Generation of Drivers

The proposal is still under expert review, but if adopted, it would modernize the entire theoretical exam. The new system aims to make testing clearer, more practical, and grounded in an accurate understanding of traffic rules and situational awareness—skills essential for safe driving.