Nation’s first AI driving school to help learners pass test first time

That annoying passenger telling you how to drive could just about become useful, with artificial intelligence set to revolutionise the traditional driving lesson forever.

That annoying passenger telling you how to drive could just about become useful as artificial intelligence is set to revolutionise the traditional driving lesson forever.

A little black box and dashcam are among the technology in the nation’s first ever AI-enabled driving school which can detect if a driver is speeding, wearing a seatbelt or even eating.

The Webfleet Solutions technology uses a camera mounted on the dashboard tracking the driver’s face, a device similar to a plane’s black box and a windscreen-mounted display alerting the driver to dangerous behaviour.

“The artificial intelligence piece is detecting some of the smart stuff, like if you’re eating or drinking or smoking,” Webfleet engineer Karl Chang said. “If you’re not having your seatbelt on, it will come on alert.”

Learner driver Rekha Raja said after getting in Let’s Go Driving school’s AI enhanced car she felt more confident and more informed about corrections she needs.

Learner driver Rekha Raja hopes lessons in Webfleet Driving School’s artificial-intelligence enabled vehicle will get her ready for her test. Picture: Richard Dobson

“I think this technology should … help reduce crashes, harsh driving, and speeding,” she said.

Ms Raja has been driving with L plates for a month, aiming to convert her full Indian driver’s licence to a NSW one by mid-April with the help of two more AI-enhanced lessons.

“Passing the test is very important, (but) safe driving is more important.”

Driving instructor Albert Belleli (right) is happy to have his vehicle outfitted with AI tech. Picture: Richard Dobson

Instructor Albert Belleli has been teaching learner drivers in Sydney’s eastern suburbs for four years but is happy to take Big Brother along for the ride, admitting the technology has even improved the smoothness of his own driving.

“The way driving lessons are performed, as well as the testing process, have been pretty much the same since I did my driving test,” the Let’s Go Driving founder said.

“With students that are close to doing the test, or even P-platers … they’re never going to admit that they’re driving over the speed limit. The technology you can’t argue with.

“If you practice on a regular basis with all these smooth braking and accelerating approaches, it’s going to make you a better driver and you will pass first time.”

While the Sydney pilot program runs until April 10, Webfleet Solutions marketer Gabrielle Bentley is hopeful the concept can be applied in other parts of Australia and the world.

“It’s taking the traditional driving lesson to the next level.”