bots

The agency says a high-speed consultation in May will aim "to improve the booking system and block bots from accessing tests".

This is the backdrop to the government's announcement of measures to deal with the delays, which include training more driving examiners and dealing with the issue of bots - automated software - booking up test slots.

Alexander also revealed a plan to crackdown on test booking bots which she said were "exploiting learners".

Frustrated or skeptical passersby have kicked the bots or intentionally obstructed their path, while the cities of New York and San Francisco have banned them, on and off, because of congestion concerns.

"Other AI bots are programmed to give politically correct answers to questions like 'Who's better, Congress or BJP?'. Grok, however, seems to lack that filter and appears unafraid to tackle controversial issues head-on," he adds.