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From: mom@sfmag.UUCP (M.Modig)
Newsgroups: net.flame,net.auto
Subject: Re: Driving as a right or privilege
Message-ID: <750@sfmag.UUCP>
Date: Sun, 27-Oct-85 23:38:54 EST
Article-I.D.: sfmag.750
Posted: Sun Oct 27 23:38:54 1985
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> In California, it is far too easy to get your license, the test is
> just too simple.  The written part is all BS and the practical part
> barely covers anything really practical.
> 

The road test had been watered down considerably even seven or eight
years ago (I have no idea what it's like now).
But at least you have to take the written test at least every other
time you renew.  In New Jersey you only have to pass once.  And,
according to some of my colleagues at work, in New York you can
actually purchase a list of the test questions that are used to
compose the tests for that state.  In South Dakota you used to just
have to go into the local county sheriff's office with ID and proof
of age. (Not sure if that's still true).  From the people I've
talked to, it seems California is one of the more difficult states
to get and keep a driving license.  In some states it is also very
easy to get bus or truck licenses once you have a regular license.
This would seem to enforce my general opinion that driving is
regarded (though not by me) as more of a right rather than a
privilege, since it seems a driver need show only minimal competence
to get a license here.  Licenses in other countries such as Britain
are much more serious matters and considerably harder to get.

> Before I took my test, a friend said to me, "Don't worry about passing,
> just think of all of the stoners and losers who make it."
> 
> I think that says it all.
> 
Agreed.  OK, then, what SHOULD be the minimal requirements for
getting a license?

Mark Modig
ihnp4!sfmag!mom