Blame the DMV for Lousy Drivers

Re “Driving Ourselves Crazy,” Aug. 19: I drive 60 miles a day on the I-10 and 60 freeways and never cease to be amazed at how well traffic moves despite the number of cars on the road. I have lived and driven in other countries before and after moving to the U.S., and I find the majority of California drivers to be very patient during jams, tolerant of the mistakes of others and often polite.

Yes, too many drivers do not understand the rules of the road. But are they really to be blamed for their ignorance and ineptitude when DMV licensing examinations are lax to the point of being ludicrous?

In order to obtain a driver’s license in California, all one really needs is proof that one can start the vehicle’s engine and negotiate through light traffic without crashing. The written test is too short, too easy and largely irrelevant. If DMV grants licenses to just about anyone who asks for one, why blame the inept drivers who shouldn’t be driving in the first place?

CARLOS VASCONCELOS

San Antonio Heights