Now, learn driving using AI from IITM

Now, learn driving using AI from IITM

TIMES NEWS NETWORK 18.02.2026

Chennai : IIT Madras’ Centre of Excellence for Road Safety (CoERS) has introduced ‘ThinnAI’, an AI-enabled personalised driver training platform that assesses cognitive, behavioural and physical readiness of aspiring drivers. It uses multi-level, video game-like tests to strengthen pre-licensing education and reduce road fatalities. 

Launched at the AI for Road Safety session during the India AI Impact Summit 2026 in Delhi, the platform is designed for first-time drivers even before they obtain their Learner’s Licence. Moving beyond rote memorisation, ThinnAI evaluates knowledge of traffic signs, road rules and motor vehicles while building risk perception, situational awareness, judgement and etiquette. 

By combining behavioural science, adaptive learning and artificial intelligence, the platform seeks to address gaps in India’s driver licensing systems, amid an estimated 1.7 lakh annual road fatalities. Highlighting its approach, Prof Venkatesh Balasubramanian, Head, CoERS, IIT Madras, said, “Behavioural disciple forms with habit. When a habit is formed by controlled learning, then outcomes are better. Driving has to be learned, and the process of driving should become a habit.” 

He added, “Driving requires higher-order cognitive abilities such as risk perception, situational awareness, sound judgement and etiquette to be safe drivers on the shared asset called road. This is the essence of the 1st Gate of knowledge in the 3 Gate Licensing model that we advocate. This adaptive learning platform helps build not just licensed drivers, but responsible road users.” Pankaj Agarwal, Chief Engineer, MoRTH, said, “Driving and road safety as a life skill should be part of school and college curriculum. 

The developed application ThinnAI will be a great enabler for all stakeholders to have prepared young minds on the road.”