The Hindu : Andhra Pradesh News : It's hassle-free test for learner's licence

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Saturday, Jul 24, 2004

Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh

It's hassle-free test for learner's licence

By Our Staff Reporter

HYDERABAD, JULY 23. Twenty questions. Ten minutes. At least 12 have to be answered correctly on the computer and only then do you pass the test. This ain't any school examination, but the computerised learner's licence (LL) test at the Road Transport Authority (RTA) office at Khairatabad.

The concept of conducting a computerised test, which was taken up by the Khairatabad RTA office in January 2003, to check brokers and ensure transparency, was launched at other RTA offices across the State a month ago.

But what about those who are computer-illiterate? "We have language options -- English, Hindi and Telugu. In case people do not have knowledge of computers, our employees will help them out," says the Joint Transport Commissioner, C.L.N. Gandhi.

Fair and objective

Earlier, the process of issuing learner's licence used to be done manually. "Now, with the computerised test, we want to make the test more transparent, fair and objective. This does not require any knowledge of computers. It's very simple. The questions appear on the screen and one has to key-in the answer," Mr. Gandhi says.

"I do not know how to operate computers. The test appears difficult, but if they help me out then there are no hassles," says Venkatarami Reddy, a resident of Banjara Hills, who has come for the test.

Another youth, Wajeed Khan, of Boggulkunta says: "I was under the impression that it will be a bit difficult. But, it's easy as the candidate is merely supposed to click the mouse."

No place for brokers

Recently, a group of auto-rickshaw drivers complained that they have no computer knowledge and demanded that the computerised test be withdrawn.

According to an RTA official, auto drivers used to come to the office in groups and put pressure on officials to issue the licence. "Several brokers made huge amounts when the process was done manually. Now, with computers, the person who wants the licence has to appear compulsorily for the test, leaving no scope for brokers. Those who answer correctly will pass the test. Those who fail can re-appear for the test," he informs, adding that there are 11 computers for the purpose.

RTA authorities, in association with the Traffic wing, have also brought out a handbook in which the questions and answers are given in detail. "Those who read the book and appear for the test will easily pass," the official says.

On auto drivers' opposition to the computerised test, Mr. Gandhi says: "Many automen are driving without a licence. Many do not take vehicle fitness test nor do they have the required documents. How can they question the RTA about the computerised test? As per law, I can ask 20 questions about traffic rules. This is the fair way of testing one's knowledge on traffic rules."

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