As part of your driving exam, you should also be required to know some of the geographic basics specific to your area.

So many times, I’m seeing people who clearly know the basics of how to operate a motor vehicle, but have absolutely no sense about any of the other things that go into driving. For example, where I live it is common to be able to make a right turn on a red light, provided the coast is clear. However, that rule goes out the window in the urban areas of our state. That type of stuff should be mandatory knowledge. If you live on the border of two states, you should need to know if there are any specific rules in the other jurisdiction that maybe don’t apply to where you live specifically.

Another important thing needs to be a basics on the major highways in your area; where they lead, what the rules are on each one etc. Too often I’ve seen idiot cars go on a toll road, then realize they can’t pay and hold up the whole damn line for their ignorance. Or, having trucks go on the cars-only section of the highway or people using the HOA lanes inappropriately.

I know we can’t idiot-proof every aspect of driving, but we can definitely test more than what we currently do. We absolutely should.