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Glitch in online system lets learners get licences with fake photos
A ‘faceless’ online learner’s licence system was exploited to obtain licenses using others’ photos. RTOs identified security gaps, and officials proposed in-person testing from April 2026 to verify test-takers.
Why It Matters
The incident threatens credential integrity and increases fraud risk. In-person testing is planned to curb misuse, though it may cause crowding at RTO offices.
Timeline
3 Events
April 2026: Plan to require in-person testing for learner’s licences announced
April 24, 2026
The transport department announced a corrective step to require applicants to be physically present at RTOs for taking the learner’s licence test, beginning this month, to curb fraud from fake photos. Officials said the proposal was being prepared and would be implemented soon.
April 24, 2026: RTOs uncover scam in faceless online learner’s licence system
April 24, 2026
The state’s RTOs detected a scam in the faceless online learner’s licence system where applicants were obtaining a learner’s license by using photographs of other people in the online application form. Officials cited possible bypass of the NIC security software and alterations to the website’s Java code as ways to change applicant details and permit fraudulent tests. The system’s Aadhaar verification was not required in such cases, enabling credential fraud.
September 2025: Transport minister flags flaws in online learner’s licence system and calls for NIC security fixes
September 2025
In September 2025, Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik pointed out flaws in the online learner’s licence system and directed officials to write to the National Informatics Centre (NIC) to implement technical security measures and rectify the flaws. Officials later stated that steps were taken to strengthen the website, though those measures did not substantially reduce vulnerabilities.