Why is would wrong?

[Polina]

English Grammar Tests, Elementary Level

ESL/EFL Test "Modal Verb Questions", question 7

......... I ride with you to work?

(a) Would
(b) Can
(c) Let
(d) Have

English Grammar Tests, Elementary Level

ESL/EFL Test "Modal Verb Questions", answer 7

Can I ride with you to work?

Correct answer: (b) Can

Your answer was: incorrect
Would I ride with you to work?
_________________________

why is would wrong in #7

Polina

[Mister Micawber]

.
We do not use would in this structure (with I as the subject) as a polite request, although could is common:

Could I ride with you?

If the subject is not I, then would is possible:

Would you let me ride with you?
Would it be possible for me to ride with you?
.
_________________
Canadian-American native speaker
who teaches English for a living at Mister Micawber's
ESL cafe: Interview with Mr. Micawber