The PC road to madness

It's hard to imagine a worse case of political correctness than allowing non-English readers to sit the UK driving test, writes Peter Rhodes.

The decision to allow the driving test to be taken in 19 different languages and to let candidates be accompanied by a translator is a legacy from New Labour, introduced in the hallowed name of equality, fraternity and brainlessness.

Now, at last, there are moves to ensure anyone applying for a UK licence can understand useful little phrases such as "low bridge" or "oil on road."

But despite all the harrumphing on Tory benches, don't expect any real improvement.

Already we are being warned that insisting on competency in English may be against EU law.

There is also the tiny problem of our home-grown travellers who drive 4x4s and caravans all over the country but cheerfully boast of being unable to read or write.

How do they fill in those road-tax forms?