The Driver License (Not Really) Dilemma
As more and more states make it possible for “undocumented” people to get driver licenses, I hear complaints that people will be eligible for benefits. I ask “what benefits?” and have yet to get an answer so that remains an open question.
That said, I do know that they “get” to:
- Pay fees to get driver license.
- Demonstrate that they have insurance.
- Study for and pass both a written and a driving test.
I live in California and any contact with a DMV (Department of Motor Vehicles) Office is avoided at all cost. None of this is something that is remotely pleasurable under any circumstances. The best you can hope for is “that was not as bad as I thought it would be”.
In making it possible for “undocumented” people to get their driver license, the state of California just made it possible for them to experience something that most people dread so I am not sure how much of a benefit that is.
From the point of view of another driver on the road, I can say that I welcome more licensed drivers because this does provide benefits to me:
- More drivers on the road who are aware of the laws.
- More fees collected.
- Fewer people fall into the category of uninsured motorist because insurance companies will not pay if accidents are caused by unlicensed drivers — even those with active policies. (It seems they have no problem taking their money but have a problem paying out.)
So I will continue to search for those hidden benefits that they are supposedly receiving while I enjoy better protection as a result.
