BikeStormer

The Department for Transport has proposed a raft of changes to the driving and riding tests including requiring that car learners acquire a "test readiness certificate" before taking the test and a much more complicated practical test that will asses candidate's ability to navigate. One area that won't be sorted out, however, is the theory test, some areas of which are downright peculiar.

Questions for the theory test can currently be set not only by expert staff at the Driving Standards Agency, but proposed by any MPs or councilors, whatever their agenda. One current question in the bike and car theory test is as follows:

“Trams or Light Rapid Transit (LRT) systems are environmentally friendly because?
a) They use diesel power
b) They use electric power
c) They use quieter roads
d) They do not operate during rush hour.”

The correct answer is b - at least according to the test. This is apparently true even if the electricity used to power the tram is generated in a coal-powered power station, such as the proposed new Kingsnorth unit in Kent, currently the subject of much environmental controversy. Another question asks candidates to state the percentage of emissions that road transport is responsible for, and gives an answer of 20%, despite estimates varying wildly.

Quite apart from the dodgy science, what have either of these questions got to do with someone's ability to ride a motorbike or drive a car?