Unique No More

Shares of Adobe have plummeted on news that the Government’s Transport Control Department (TCD) will soon begin issuing a new driving licence that doesn’t look quite so much like it’s been knocked together in Photoshop. “We just had to stop being ‘unique’ in the world and catch up,” said Transport Minister Dr. Ewart Brown.

On the few occasions that I’ve rented a car overseas using my Bermudian licence, I’ve always done so expecting to be challenged about its legitimacy. Now I need worry no more. The new licences meet international standards, featuring micro-printing, holograms and images only visible in ultraviolet light. They’re even cheaper to produce than the old ones (I guess those Photoshop licence fees really add up).

Not content with one technological innovation, TCD is also replacing the current pencil-and-paper driving theory test with a computer-delivered version, although the old-style test will still be available for incurable technophobes. Advantages include the ability to deliver a truly randomised set of questions, offer the test in both English and Portuguese, and allow applicants to review any incorrect answers at the end. It also means bidding adieu to those wonderfully archaic card templates with punched holes currently used to score an applicant’s answers.

I’m a bit puzzled about Transport Minister Dr. Ewart Brown’s attitude towards the theory test though. Referring to the way in which each test is randomly generated from a base of 250 questions, Dr. Brown asserted that this “goes a long way in protecting the integrity of the tests by virtually eliminating cheating”.

Yet it would surely be better if everyone did know what those 250 questions were. The purpose of this test isn’t to catch people out, it’s to make sure they know the rules of the road. What better way to do this than by making public all of the questions (and their answers) in advance, as is done in the UK? It clarifies what applicants are expected to know and makes it easier for them to learn it. By producing and selling the book containing the questions, TCD would also be able to generate some additional revenue.

Still, these are both steps in the right direction. Now all TCD has to do is replace its indolent staff with more service-oriented employees and maybe Bermudians will no longer dread the prospect of a visit there more than a trip to the dentist.

Comments

[Andrew on 22.09.04 at 13:46]

I couldn’t agree more with the last two paragraphs.
I’ve seen a few photoshoped licenses lingering around the bars at night...

Two nights ago, I was asked for ID when ordering a bottle of wine with dinner in the US. I was quite stunned, and presented my license to the waiter; he didn't know what to make of it so he took it inside. But when the manager came out and said that unfortunately they could not accept my license I almost choked. I presented to him both an EasyLink and a ButterfieldCard, verifying that I indeed did live in Bermuda, or at least I had some connection there (I understand his view - it looks completely fake). He came back with an 'I am very sorry, sir.'

I tried to explain to him that it was an internationally valid driver’s license, but to no avail. I finished my meal with a bottle of sparkling water.

In some respects I feel let down by TCD, as well as the government for not requiring that more “authentic” forms of ID are printed at various government departments. On the other hand, I laugh at the incident because it reminds me of home.

[YYZ on 22.09.04 at 13:56]

I recently renewed my Canadian passport. I had to prove my birthdate/place with my birth certificate. Unfortunately, the birth certificate issued to me in 1967 doesn't mention Bermuda, Paget, the UK or even the Atlantic ocean....I can't prove where I was born, only the date.

Typically Bermudian.

[Martin on 22.09.04 at 15:22]

It is a rare thing for me to 'sing the praises' of many Government Departments and their employees. I have long considered, for example, that the Post Office is a training ground for Rottweillers.

Having said that, I do not agree with your reference to TCD employees being 'indolent'.

I have noticed a 'significant change' to the way they deal with the public these days - from what used to be the case.

Maybe Ewarts 'charisma' is rubbing off them.