You are aware of such a thing called a driver's license test, aren't you?
And you bring up another thing when you say "....before I hand you the keys". Many teenagers buy there own cars. And what about people who never get a license until they are a legal adult? Should they have to piss in a cup too? Do you think people automatically become responsible when they turn 18? Do you think they magically acquire driving skills at 18? And as pointed out by several posters, nothing stops a 16 year old who doesn't do drugs from testing clean, and starting drugs a year later. What then? Oops, I don't think I have to ask. Tests for eveyone. Woo hoo!
The greatest value to this proposal, I believe, is that it would force kids on drugs to get off of them - and to actually know that they can do it - that they are not slaves to the drugs they take.
Being able to pass a driver's test is no more 'proof of responsibility" than being able to pass a "entrance point" drug test. Any kid who's doing drugs and knows they have to pass the test will just stay clean long enough to pass the test, then go right back to it. Keeping kids away from drugs is an admirable goal, but realistically, this is just an expensive "feel good" idea that's going to have little impact on the problem.
If they can come in and ace that driver's test while they are stoned, then by all means, give them a license. I'm sure you will feel more comfortable on the road. We're talking about responsibility and trying to steer kids onto the right path by dangling the golden carrot (a driver's license) on a stick in front of them. But we all know, there comes a time when they will be on their own.
"And you bring up another thing when you say "....before I hand you the keys". Many teenagers buy there own cars.
They still need a license to operate that vehicle on the road.
And what about people who never get a license until they are a legal adult?
I hadn't given that much thought, but heck, if the state demands that they, as adults, take a driver's test, why not put a cup in their hand and point them to the bathroom as well?
Should they have to piss in a cup too? Do you think people automatically become responsible when they turn 18?"
See above. Though keep in mind that that some states will only give "junior licenses" to 16 year-olds restricting their driving times and they can't receive a "senior license" until they are 18.
Do you think they magically acquire driving skills at 18? And as pointed out by several posters, nothing stops a 16 year old who doesn't do drugs from testing clean, and starting drugs a year later.
Again, it's not about driving skills, if your kid decides to go out and get stoned and drive then kills a family in a head-on with a minivan, it is his fault and he should be tried as an adult and you should be riddled with guilt knowing that you spent too much time fighting for your child's supposed rights when you could have been teaching him responsibility.
What then? Oops, I don't think I have to ask. Tests for eveyone. Woo hoo!
That's quite a leap, though not unexpected in a forum such as this. Don't look now, but I think I hear black helicopters...