In the aftermath of the BC government and ICBC announcing changes to the knowledge test for new drivers, many had concerns, particularly surrounding cheating.
In case you missed it, yesterday, ICBC and the B.C. Ministry of the Attorney General announced that new drivers could take their knowledge test online.
The knowledge test is for drivers looking to obtain their Learner’s licence for vehicles and motorcycles (Class 5 to 8).
Prior to the change, drivers would have to take the test in person on a digital kiosk.
However, the change enabling online testing has people worried that the system will be taken advantage of.
So, we reached out to the ministry to ask how the system will prevent cheaters.
The initial announcement stated that a webcam needed to be online at all times, and this would prevent cheating. The ministry has given Daily Hive Urbanized some additional details on how it thinks the system will prevent cheating.
The ministry said that maintaining the test’s integrity and ensuring safeguards were in place was a “priority” when designing the online test. ICBC is using Neumo, which is Canada’s largest driver knowledge test provider, to implement and monitor the online test.
Additionally, the ministry says that the online test has the same content and support features as the in-person one and will be digitally monitored to maintain test integrity.
That includes monitoring test takers via webcam and tracking mouse movements.
The online test has the same content and support features as the in-person knowledge test and will have digital monitoring to help maintain test integrity. The online test features software that monitors people as they’re taking the test, through their webcam and by tracking mouse movements.
“To prevent cheating, the test starts with a photo of the test taker and subsequent photos throughout the exam. Video monitoring during the test detects changes to the testing environment, such as changes in lighting, other people on camera or a change to the face that was captured at the start of the test,” the ministry says.
“The software also monitors mouse movement and will capture any attempts to leave the test-taking window. People will receive real-time notifications of an infraction to help correct any behaviour or any environmental challenges,” it adds.
If someone is taking a test and receives multiple infractions, they will be disqualified from the test. After disqualification, the test taker will receive on-screen and email instructions with the next steps.
“The technology is similar to what’s used by other professions that allow online testing, such as bar exams and nursing licenses. We are confident that these measures will safely protect against cheating,” the ministry said.
What do you think? Has the ICBC figured out the online knowledge test? Or do you feel cheaters will find a way to take advantage of the system?
You can read the ministry’s announcement about the online knowledge test on the B.C. government’s website.