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Online learners permit test canned in Florida as drivers fail re-tests

Officials in Florida have removed the state’s online learners permit testing option after discovering more than half of those who passed it failed in repeat in-person tests.


Prospective motorists in Florida have been able to complete an online exam since 2004, although officials decided to pull it because of its inability to truly test the examinee’s knowledge. The program officially ended on December 31.

In 2009, 601 people who passed the test online were re-tested by the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) in person. More than 59 percent of those people failed the test the second time around.

The rule change is clearly targeted at improving the safety of new drivers. Florida generated between two and three million dollars revenue per year through the online test, which cost applicants between $20 and $33. The in-person test is free, and will remain that way.

Florida police officer Matt Walker told Fox News he was not surprised by the findings and supported the decision to cancel the online test.

“I think I ran in to some of those people who got it online probably cheating,” Mr Walker said.

“I've seen some of the drivers here in Florida and seen so many accidents – it’s unreal.

Prospective drivers in Florida will now have to sit their tests either at the DMV or at a county tax collector’s office.

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