Learner’s licence test only after clearing facial check in Goa

PANAJI: In a bid to ensure transparency during online driving learner’s licence test, the state directorate of transport has started a system of camera face detection.
Here, candidates can answer the test remotely and a systematic software is being used wherein the applicant’s face is recognised through the computer camera and verified with their photo on the Aadhaar card. If there is a mismatch, the applicant is forbidden from appearing for the test.
“Nearly 95% of the candidates answer the test online. They are assisted through the citizen service centres or village-level centres on the know-how of the process. It therefore makes it imperative to verify the candidate’s credentials through facial recognition,” said an official from the regional transport office (RTO) in Panaji.
Once a candidate applies for the online test through the Goa transport department website, a one time password (OTP) is generated to unlock the examination form.
The applicant’s photograph will be first authenticated by comparing it with the photograph on the Aadhaar card. The test will only start if the candidate’s photograph matches at least 90% with the one on the Aadhaar card.
Following which, the candidate’s live footage answering the test is captured.
The test can be answered at the RTOs, driving schools or even at home, provided the aspiring candidate has a webcam.
However, there is still room for manipulation if the keyboard is handled by a third party even as the person seated in front of the camera is the aspiring candidate.
“We are trying to overcome all the potential lapses that come with this technology. We will have to study the system and will crackdown accordingly,” said deputy director of transport Francis Vaz.
Sources from Panaji RTO said that ever since they have moved the test online, the number of people physically appearing for the test at the RTOs across Goa have reduced.
Currently, aspiring candidates must answer at least 60% of the multiple-choice questions accurately in order to pass the test and obtain the learner’s licence which is valid for six months. Soon, this will change to make issuance of licences stricter.
“The transport department is in the process of adding more questions to the existing list and aspiring candidates will have to get at least 80% of the answers correct to pass the test,” said Vaz.