The Tiered Driving System

The Tiered Driving System
By David S. Maughan


It certainly is not a recent phemomenon. There have been poor driving standards ever since the car was invented. To some, the car is an appliance, to others, it is an interesting and fun form of transportation, and to a limited few it is a passion. I happen to fall into the passionate group. I have been passionate about cars since I can remember. As such, I pride myself in my driving standards and awareness level while behind the wheel. I let nothing come between myself and the driving experience. When I am driving I am incapable of conversation, both hands are on the wheel with a firm but relaxed grip only broken by the occasional gear change. I know there are others out there like myself, but they are not the majority. Most drivers are automobile users that treat the car like an appliance, and there is nothing wrong with that what so ever.

The government says that possession of a driving license is a privilege, and I couldn’t agree more. It’s not a right, you have to prove you are capable of maintaining control of your vehicle at all times. The question I have is: Are driving standards strict enough? I will immediately answer that with a firm “No!”.

I have devised a “Tiered” driver licensing system that although complicated to implement, would alleviate a lot of the poor driving standards on the roads today. It consists of three tier levels of licensing. Each tier will require a separate test of increasing difficulty. Once passed, the driver must display a color coded symbol in the window of the car that shows his or her driving proficiency level. The first two tiers have restricted car registration limits that only allow certain cars to be registered/driven by that driver. These car restrictions are based upon power, weight/mass, and performance characteristics of the vehicle. In other words, a Tier 1 level driver cannot go out and register a Ferrari Enzo. Sure, they could buy it, but not drive it until they have proven they are capable of controlling it by passing the Tier 3 test.

The Tiers break down as follows:

Tier 1:
Ø Very limited car registration choices (low powered, small…)
Ø Single lane use highway.
Ø No passing.
Ø Strict speed limits (50max).
Ø Low renewal fee.
Ø 5 year renewal intervals.

Tier 2:
Ø Increased car registration choices.
Ø Mid lane use on 3+ lane highways.
Ø Limited passing.
Ø Increased speed limits (65max).
Ø Higher renewal fee.
Ø 2 year renewal intervals – drops down to tier 1 if not re-tested within timeframe required.

Tier 3:
Ø Unlimited car registration choices.
Ø Full lane use.
Ø Full passing privileges.
Ø 80+ speed limit.
Ø High renewal fee.
Ø Yearly renewal intervals – drops down to tier 2 if not re-tested within timeframe required.

The Tier one licence test would not be much different from the existing license criteria in place in all US states. Most drivers would fall into this group. As a result, the roads would become immeasurably safer. There would be little passing, speeds would be down (thus saving fuel). Anyone wishing to progress to higher tier levels would require extensive classroom and seat time. All would require car control clinics, the higher tier levels would require skidpad and track time.

Outside of making the roads safer, being better for the environment, and reducing our dependence on foreign oil, implementing this system would create jobs in the government, it would also create jobs in the private sector as instructors. While implementing this plan, a couple of new laws should be adopted to further improve driving standards and also to motivate young people to stay in school.

Law 1:
No High School diploma (or equivalent), no licence. This would motivate all young people to finish school.

Law 2:
No mobile device (aka. Cell phone, pager, or texting) while driving, period.