It’s time for a multi-tiered driver’s license system in Texas

OPINION – For more than 20 years, Texas has endured a grim statistic: At least one person has died on our roads every day. Despite efforts to improve road safety, the crisis continues and the number of road deaths remains alarming. Isn’t it time to rethink the way we license drivers in this state?

The reality is this: Since November 7, 2000, Texas has lost at least one person on Texas roads every day. The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) should examine a system that could represent the bold change we need. The proposal is a multi-tiered driving license system that categorizes drivers based on their experience and driving record. At first glance it seems like just another layer of bureaucracy, but in reality it could be the key to making our roads significantly safer.

Here’s the idea: New drivers start at the “Beginner Driver” level, learning the basics while gaining experience. After two years of accident-free driving and passing the driving and written tests, they reached the novice driver level. Then, after four years of safe driving, they could advance to the journeyman level. The ultimate goal? The coveted Lonestar license is reserved for drivers over 30 who have not committed any accidents or violations and demonstrate their skills by passing a driving test every four years.

Each level would reward drivers for their experience and competence, and those with impeccable driving records would be rewarded with lower insurance premiums. On the other hand, reckless drivers would face more scrutiny – if you’ve been in an accident or ticketed, you’d have to pass a driving test before you can renew your license.

This proposal is more than just an attempt to categorize drivers. It is a cultural change that requires responsibility on our streets. In a state where more than 3,600 people died in accidents in 2022 alone, shouldn’t we hold drivers to higher standards? By ensuring that people with the most experience and safest records receive the highest level driving licenses, we will gradually reduce the number of inexperienced or careless drivers behind the wheel.

Consider this: The current system treats all drivers essentially the same. Once you get your driver’s license, it is valid for years, regardless of how you drive. But we don’t all have the same skills or habits. Someone who has driven flawlessly for 10 years should not be treated the same as someone who has a year of reckless behavior or, even worse, multiple accidents. This tiered system encourages improvement and creates an environment in which drivers continually strive to be safer and more competent.

There’s another point: The proposal involves transferring driver’s license requirements from the Department of Public Safety (DPS) to TxDOT itself. That makes sense. TxDOT is already in charge of our roads and focused on traffic safety, while DPS has its hands full with law enforcement. Shifting licensing to TxDOT could make the process more efficient and safety-focused.

Opponents might argue that this is an unnecessary overreach by the government or that it would complicate the licensing process. But is security ever too much to ask for? With road deaths occurring every day, we must take bold steps. The system we have now doesn’t work. A multi-tier licensing system could change that.

Imagine a Texas where every driver on the road has demonstrated not only their ability to pass a test, but also their continued commitment to being a safe and responsible driver. Imagine a state where fewer families grieve lost loved ones due to traffic fatalities. That is the future that this proposal promises.

Yes, it’s time for Texas to adopt a tiered driver’s license system. It’s time to end the streak.