For learner’s driving licence,women zip ahead of men

“They are much more focused and usually read the traffic rules and Motor Vehicle Act before appearing for the test,” says an RLA official. “However,male applicants are not that serious about the test and in many cases they are unaware of the most basic traffic rules.”

As one enters the room where the test is conducted,applicants are found recognising traffic signs on their computer screens which is part of their test. At one point nine applicants participate in the test,sitting on the nine terminals meant for conducting the test.

The test conducted by RLA has 25 questions that need to be answered by the applicant. There are around 215 questions in the data base of RLA and the computer picks up 25 random questions for the applicant appearing for the test.

An applicant needs to get 15 questions right to clear the test . Applicants get one minute to answer each question. “We have kept 60 pc marks to qualify for the learner’s driving licence. Women applicants sometimes get 22 out of 25 questions correct,” says an RLA official.

On average passing percentage of the women applicants on any given day is 70 per cent whereas that of male applicants is 60 per cent. “Apart from a few exceptions when male applicants leave behind the women applicants,it is the women who usually perform better. For example,on September 25,83 per cent of the women applicants cleared the test whereas only 61 per cent male applicants got the learner’s driving licence,” says the RLA official. “They just don’t clear the test; they usually clear it with good marks.”

Sample questions

* When should the handbrake be ideally applied by the driver?

* Which category of vehicle can one drive at a speed of 70 km per hour at National Highway?

* What is Section 112 or 129 of Motor Vehicle Act?

* At which places cars should not be parked apart from the designated no-parking area?

* When can a driver overtake a vehicle from left?

* What is the validity of pollution under control certificate?