Is Driver’s License for Everyone?

Is Driver’s License for Everyone?

I will speak from my reality, living my whole life in Brazil and now being an international student in the U.S has made me realize how much different our countries are, specially in relation to drivers ed. The distiction begins from the procedure to take the driver’s license to the cost of the whole thing. I believe that driving is a fundamental right, since it is strictily related to mobility and freedom of each citizen. Why I am saying that?

The reality in Brazil when it comes to take the driver’s license is that only rich or middle class can possess this right, it’s necessary do the auto-class and to complete 45 hours of theoretical classes on legislation, infractions, signaling, defensive driving, first aid and basic mechanics, after completion, the theoretical test will be scheduled. Then it will be 25 more hours on practical classes, which 5 of those hours are on a simulator. All this will add up to a total cost of 2,700 reais or 450$ dollars going to the state which is the one who controls and profit from it.

Meanwhile the average cost to get a driver’s license in the USA vary from 20$ to 70$ dollars and is a simple and fast procedure. First you study by your own with the driver’s handbook, take the written test to acquire the learner’s permit and after you feel secure and confident to drive by your own, execute the driving test, and there is it, your driver’s license!

When we talk about drivers ed to reduce deaths, we need to comprehend that an auto-class course does help make better drivers, but it cannot be a mandatory requirement like in Brazil making the cost for a driver’s license so high that it turns into a privelege rather than a personal right. My suggestion is that everyone has freedom to opt for an auto-class or study and practice driving by themselves.