| Stephen F. 2005-06-30, 8:41 pm |
|
"Dallas" <Cybnorm@spam_me_not.Hotmail.Com> wrote in message
news:xbNwe.11144$jX6.593@newsread2.news.pas.earthlink.net...
quote:
> $3,000.00 for driving school seems absurd.
>
> Sounds like a govenment scam to enhance revenue.
>
>
Why is 6'000 - 7'000 to get a PPL acceptable, but not a similar amount to
pilot a 1500kg vehicle at speeds up to 250kph, in close proximity with other
vehicles, in varying weather conditions? I would say our Canadian and
American system is woefully inadequate.
To me, it sounds like they are simply treating driving as a privilege, not a
right, and they are also recognizing that European driving (in some regions)
places some serious demands on your driving competence which do not exist in
the typical N.A. suburban environment. Having spent my first ten driving
years in North America (where I was the exception to the rule and actually
attended an advanced driving school) and then the next ten years in
Switzerland and Germany, I definitely see the benefits of rigid (and
expensive) driver training requirements. The UK is somewhat less expensive,
but still requires a substantial amount of documented wheel time before
licensing. The end result is that the majority of drivers, even well into
their senior years, know how to drive quickly, courteously, and safely on
very demanding roads, rather than vaguely guiding their vehicles down a wide
expanse of concrete in a mouth-breathing stupor.
On the flip side, my car insurance was cheaper in Switzerland than Canada,
used cars are in better shape and cheaper, so it all evens out in the end.
Stephen
|