Pass rate for learner's licence test from home soars to 90%
So far, 4,000 candidates from different cities have taken the test.
According to Regional Transport Office (RTO) officials, the pass percentage varied across regions, with urban centres like Ahmedabad, Vadodara, Rajkot and Surat recording over 90% success rates, while rural areas achieved approximately 85%. In the earlier system, where aspirants had to appear for tests at polytechnics, IITs, or RTO-recognised centres under the supervision of RTO officials, the average pass rate was 75%.
The new system, implemented from July 7, facilitates driving tests for learners from the comfort of their homes or offices. Applicants with their Aadhaar card linked to the mobile numbers no longer need to visit the RTO or other authorised centres to take the online test.
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A senior officer defended the high pass percentage, attributing it to the profiles of online test-takers. He said that those taking the online test were educated and computer-savvy applicants who even took mock exams before the test.
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"Another reason could be the videos that the applicants have to compulsorily watch before taking the test. This helps them retain the information well," said an official, requesting anonymity.
He, however, does not rule out the possibility of cheating. The system also incorporates monitoring measures: candidates are not allowed to move their heads by 90 or 180 degrees. Even slight movements lead to warning prompts during the test.
According to the rules, candidates must watch online videos on road safety before appearing for the test. "Those who correctly answer 60% of the questions can print their learner's licence themselves, while those who fail can attempt the test again following the same procedure," the official said.
A candidate who took the test provided specific details about how the system is being exploited. "Since all questions and answers are objective, I can take the test using the mouse.
My second hand is free. And we have a cheating code," he explained.
The cheating method involves a finger-coding system where the candidate's 'assistant' sits at a slight distance, remaining outside the frame of the computer webcam. This person reads the questions and communicates the correct answers through a tactile coding system applied to the candidate's free hand.
The finger-based communication works like this: for option A, the 'assistant' presses the candidate's little finger; for option B, the ring finger; for option C, the middle finger; and for option D, the index finger.
The corresponding finger is pressed twice to indicate the correct answer.
"Besides, since voice is not detected, even if the person spells out the correct answer, the test-taker would not be caught," the candidate revealed, highlighting a loophole in the monitoring system.
However, another senior officer said, "Several states have already adopted the online format of the test warranted by the ministry of road transport and highways. Gujarat has only recently begun implementing it. No online test system can be foolproof," he said. Senior transport officials from Gandhinagar were unavailable for comment regarding concerns about cheating and the current monitoring system mechanism.
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