1 in 3 fails online test for driving licence

Applying for a learner’s licence so you can learn to drive? Get acquainted with road signs and traffic rules before you take the test; a few silly mistakes may “disqualify” you.

Applying for a learner’s licence so you can learn to drive? Get acquainted with road signs and traffic rules before you take the test; a few silly mistakes may “disqualify” you.

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In the past two weeks, since the transport department computerised — or made online — the issuance of driver’s licence at all its 13 regional transport offices, more than 35 per cent applicants have failed the test.

“Now, almost every third person is failing the test,” Delhi transport commissioner R K Verma said. “We ask the applicants to go through the traffic rules and regulations and road signs before taking the test.”

To be eligible, an applicant has to answer six of 10 questions that are randomly picked by the computer from a pool of almost 250 questions.

Going online, said officials, is a step towards weeding out corruption. Biometric details of an applicant are taken twice — once while applying and again when he sits to take the test — to ensure the applicant himself is taking the test.

The system has also become faster, officials said. Now, if an applicant is qualified, a learner’s licence is issued within five minutes of taking the test.

“Earlier, most applicants would come through touts and clear manual tests by paying some money. Very few applicants were disqualified,” said a motor licencing officer requesting anonymity.

Transport officials said photograph and biometric details of an applicant is also stored on computers and used later while issuing a permanent licence.