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Test – Feasibility of tests

The test concept and test case description are the basis for the tests. To prevent that the concept and description do not stay abstract, testability of each test needs to be checked and ensured beforehand. This addresses already such simple aspects, like the ADF is activated on the test track for the testing? In case the testability is not fulfilled, the test plan or description needs to be updated or the test needs to be postponed in case of time limitations. It is recommended to check the testability from the beginning in order to address issues as early as possible.

For the testability four primary aspects need to be assessed: test tool status, technical testing requirements, status of ADF and the safety & security aspects.

Regarding the test tool it must be ensured that it is available as well as capable of providing the required quality. It is important that the test tool has been validated and verified before the test. A test tool which has not been validated could lead to false results. This aspect needs careful attention in case complete virtual test tools (e.g. computer simulation) or partly virtual test tools (e.g. driving simulator) are applied, since the output of these tools is not necessarily a physical result.

Using test tooling often comes along with additional requirements which need to be considered; certain additional equipment may be required, certain inputs (e.g. data) may be required, the interfaces to other test tools or participants need to be defined or that certain licenses (incl. testing and driving licenses) for the testing may be required. It shall be checked before the execution of the test, whether these requirements are fulfilled.

Additional Input to the question is provided by the SaFAD white paper  (Wood, M., et al, 2019) and the related ISO activities (ISO/TR 4804 (2020), ISO/CD TS 5083).

Main Question

Is the execution of the planned tests with the ADF feasible? (Test planning) 

Alternative Questions:

  1. Are the interfaces for the test tools properly defined and implemented?
  2. Are all required approvals / allowance and licenses (incl. testing and driving licenses) for the test available?
  3. Is the ADF mature enough to conduct the planned test?
  4. Are safety and security aspects investigated before the test?
  5. Are the required test tools available for testing?
  6. In particular in case of tests on public roads, have relevant stakeholders (e.g. road operators, police) been informed about the testing activities beforehand.
  7. Are the applied test tools verified and validated before they are used?
  8. Are the required inputs available?

References