Licensing rant

[marsgal42]

One of the high profile "issues" with RHD imports is the availability of cheap, high-performance cars to people who probably shouldn't be driving them in the first place. This is the comment I posted on the CBC's web site on the subject of graduated motorcycle licensing in B.C.:

I still don't see any mention of requiring people to ride motorcycles (or drive cars) whose power is commensurate with their ability.

I'm currently learning to fly, and pilots licenses only let you fly what you are competent to fly: a brand new private pilot license does not entitle you to fly an F-18, though a brand new Class 5 driver's license is just as good in a VW Beetle as it is in a Bugatti Veyron. Something's wrong there.

The blood-alcohol limit for flying is zero. It should be for driving.

Pilots require regular medical exams. Why don't drivers?

Pilots require regular skills upgrading and testing. Why don't drivers?

...laura who practiced climbs and descents over Mission and Abbotsford yesterday

[DeliTan]

Please allow me to join in the rant.
I have driven quite a variety of vehicles, many of them heavy. I have "pushed back" 747s with a "tug" weighing close to 50 tons. I have operated every configuration of forklift I have heard of. I have operated a wide collection of man lifts and cranes. While in the fire department, I operated every vehicle. For each piece of equipment, I was trained and certified. I now own a converted 12 ton Greyhound with air brakes.

My rant: anyone with enough money can buy and operate a motorhome of any size on a Class 5 licence. Many of these people have never operated anything bigger than a Honda Civic. RV chassis manufacturers have developed a braking system (that I am not familiar with) that doesn't classify as "air brakes" so no special endorsement is necessary.

So be aware that the 15 ton, high powered, inadequately braked RV getting larger in your rear view mirror may be driven by someone with ZERO training. Give them room because they are gonna take it anyway.

rant ends (I feel much better now)

john (who flunked my written flight exam because they changed the MET on me)

[jwfchase]

Laura, your "rants" always seem like very rational, well thought out rebuttals to me. I don't think this meets the requirements of a "rant". You make far too much sense!

[mararmeisto]

Laura, your "rants" always seem like very rational, well thought out rebuttals to me. I don't think this meets the requirements of a "rant". You make far too much sense!

Concur: with no expletives and no rambling sentences (your grammar is too good), it is difficult to qualify your comments and observations as 'rants', per se.

I do agree with your thoughts, though. I read that same story (but I tend not to read the comments, so I missed yours) and I have a difficult time with the licensing/insuring of a 1500cc roadster in the same category as a 900cc sport bike (or crotch rocket). They simply aren't the same bike and the rider would have to be of a greater skill calibre for the latter than the former.

It should be the same old, same old though as the graduated licensing for 4-wheeled vehicles. If, as an inexperienced driver you are limited to a certain size engine or power:weight ratio, it's not going to be the end of motorcycling in BC. I say, bring it in.