I was thinking last night... what if, instead of just buying a provisional licence, buying some driving lessons, then buying a car ...we had to somehow prove that we needed a car.
For example, someone like me who lives in a town, works a mile away from home, is able bodied and doesn't need a car, would be refused a provisional licence and therefore would be unable to take driving lessons or own a car.
Someone like my dad, who lives in a village and can't walk fifty yards without getting out of breath, would be permitted to hold a licence and own a car due to his health.
My brother lives in a town, drives twenty miles to work (40mins), but is able bodied and could use public transport or cycle... but it'd take 2 hours to cycle each way, and public transport isn't 'direct' and would take 1hr40mins each way, so could be permitted a licence in his circumstances.
My sister's a housewife, lives right out in the sticks, on top of a hill. The nearest shop is four miles and public transport (apart from the school bus) is non existent, would be allowed a car.
If my dad's health improved, or my brother got a new job half a mile away from home, or my sister moved down the hill where there's a shop and a bus stop, their right to drive would be reviewed and if it's decided that they no longer needed a car, their licences would be suspended.
Basically, if we want a car, we have to demonstrate that we actually need one. The assessors would be tough. If there's direct public transport, or one is capable of walking/cycling to work, the shop, etc... they'd be refused.
There'd be a lot less cars on the road.
