"We adapted the test from ones used in a number of countries including the Netherlands, Japan and Singapore," head of the National Police Headquarters' safety supervision body Comr. Gen. Iman Haryatna said during the launching of the system.

Central Java, he said, was chosen for the pilot project because it had recorded the highest number of traffic accidents across the archipelago.

Thirty applicants took the driving license test that day, which was also witnessed by head of the RI-Netherlands International Police Cooperation Rien de Hart.

Of the 30, only 12 passed. "We were given a very limited amount of time. I would have been able to think clearer if we would have had more time," said Hastuti, who didn't pass.

The AVIS is used for the theory exam. Unlike the conventional test, this one is paperless. Applicants sit for the test in a room with a big screen displaying 30 audio-visual questions.

They answer the questions by pushing either the true or false button on a prepared device in their respective seats. Pushing no button is the same as giving a wrong answer.

Just a few seconds after the last question is given, the results of the test are available on the screen.

Those who answer 60 percent of the questions correctly pass the test and thus can continue with the practical test of either driving a car or a motorcycle.

Those who are unsuccessful are able to retest after a minimum of 14 days.

Iman said that apart from helping create safe drivers, it would be expected that the new system would also promote a more accountable and transparent process in the issuing of driving licenses and would prevent scalpers from meddling.

Speaking separately to The Jakarta Post, Rien de Hart said the system has been applied in his country since 1980. "It was initially applied to police officers but later to the whole community," he said.

"I am glad it will be implemented in Indonesia."

Member of the National Police Commission Novel Ali welcomed the new testing procedure, but said that scalpers would remain unless the police strictly implemented existing regulations.

National data recorded more than 87,000 traffic accidents across the archipelago in 2006. In these accidents, over 15,000 people died, over 33,000 were badly injured and over 52,000 were lightly injured, with a total loss amounting to over Rp 80 billion (US$8.5 million).

The figure dropped to 48,000 cases last year but the death toll increased to 16,500 and the losses increased to almost Rp 105 billion.

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