[Porsche-O-Phile]

The underlying problem (I mentioned this above) is that driving is such an utter waste of time now, largely due to the process being dumbed down for the lowest common denominator. Stop signs and lights at every friggin' intersection, idiotically low speed limits, etc. are half of this problem. The second is the lax "standards" for issuing and renewing driver licenses. If we took this seriously (like a lot of European countries do) and only issued licenses to people who regularly proved their competence and skill, you'd get a LOT of people off the roads which would increase the efficiency, decrease the perception that driving is just going to be a time-suck (like it currently is) and contribute to overall safety.

The problem is (as usual) - "follow the money". Governments make FAR too much off of handing out licenses like candy to ever have incentive to meaningfully restrict them. License fees, vehicle fees, sales taxes, gas taxes, kickbacks from their insurance industry buddies, you-name-it - government LOVES it when people drive, cause they make a mint off of it.

The other half of this problem is that we've become conditioned in America to believe driving really IS a right. If gov't ever moved to restrict it, there'd be riots. Look no further than the kicking and screaming fight being put up by AARP over manadatory retesting for elderly drivers. Common sense be damned, they'll have this tied up in courts for years.

Also, to meaningfully restrict license issue, you'd need to greatly enhance alternatives/public transportation options. These currently are terrible in most areas/cities and given the current public sentiment against government spending, is unlikely to change anytime soon.

Simple problem to identify, no real easy solution though.