CAPTCHA trouble: New Parivahan update becomes headache for learner’s licence applicants

Kozhikode: A recent CAPTCHA update introduced on the Parivahan website to curb malpractice in the learner’s driving licence test is turning out to be a major hassle for applicants. As per the new update implemented across the country, applicants are now required to type in a CAPTCHA after every few questions during the test. Each question must be read and answered within 30 seconds.

An additional 15 seconds is allotted for entering the CAPTCHA. However, authorities say that those who are not particularly computer-savvy are facing significant difficulties because of this. Many candidates are even opting out of the test and leaving without attempting it. The learner’s test comprises 20 questions, with 30 seconds allocated for each one.

The change was introduced by the National Informatics Centre (NIC) after it was found that, in some parts of North India, agents were illegally issuing learner’s certificates. The mid-test CAPTCHA was added as a measure to prevent fraud and to enhance security, officials explained.

The state transport department’s nodal officer was informed a few days ago that NIC would be rolling out this new CAPTCHA system. Starting from October 1, the number of questions in the learner’s test is also set to increase to 30. Officials warn that this will likely increase the level of difficulty further.

In some cases, the CAPTCHA displayed on screen is unclear, making it difficult to read. There are complaints that, instead of preventing cheating, the new system is simply adding to the inconvenience faced by applicants. Candidates suggest that placing the CAPTCHA only at the beginning and end of the test, rather than between questions, would reduce the burden.