Jim Beam column:Driving tests aren’t solution

Published 6:23 am Saturday, April 18, 2026

State Rep. Dixon McMakin, a Republican from Baton Rouge, thinks requiring drivers to take a “driver’s knowledge” test every six years will make them better drivers.

“Think about all the times you’ve been driving and you’ve thought to yourself, ‘Man that’s a bad driver,’ ” McMakin said while presenting his driver test proposal during a public hearing.

I think about that anytime I’m driving, but testing drivers isn’t the solution. Most drivers know the rules but they don’t obey them because enforcement of driving laws, particularly in Southwest Louisiana, is rare, so violators don’t get ticketed.

Major violations are driving too fast in school zones, running or turning on red lights, reckless operation and speeding.

McMakin said having smarter, better drivers will lead to fewer wrecks and lawsuits and could even help keep car insurance rates down.

Under House Bill 777, people renewing a standard, non-commercial driver’s license for everyday personal use would have to take a test on state traffic laws, road signs and safe driving practices.

Currently, proof of identity and residency, auto insurance, a vision screening and a fee are needed to renew a “Class E” license for personal use.

Those applying for their first license already have to take a driver education class and then a  knowledge and skills test. Under McMakin’s bill, the Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV) would have the option of administering the additional test online or in person.

McMakin said he planned to work with the OMV to produce a video to show the latest updates to traffic laws, which would be rolled out in 2028. “We’re not trying to trick anybody or trap them; we’re really going for re-education of drivers,” McMakin said.

However, lawmakers on the House Transportation Committee asked whether the additional test would actually improve driver skills.

Some worry it could even prevent safe drivers who have difficulty with tests from renewing their licenses. Others didn’t want to create even longer wait lines at OMV.

Rep. Rodney Schamerhorn, R-Hornbeck, said, “I have a problem with it because the lines are already long enough at the OMV.”

Schamerhorn said people shouldn’t have to watch a “dadgum film” and then “have to take a test to prove that they’re competent enough to drive, ’cause they’ve already proven that earlier in life.”

In the face of opposition, McMakin agreed to set the bill aside and eventually return to the committee with a different plan.

McMakin, 39, is serving his first term in the Legislature. He has worked as an attorney, financial advisor and insurance broker. The Illuminator said he also has a side-gig as the public address announcer at LSU’s Tiger Stadium.

McMakin entered the race for U.S. Rep. Julia Letlow’s 5th Congressional District seat. However, 12 days after announcing his candidacy, Nola.com said one major development occurred over those 12 days — President Donald Trump unexpectedly endorsed state Sen. Blake Miguez, a Republican from New Iberia, for Letlow’s seat. McMakin withdrew.

During the current legislative session, McMakin is the sponsor of 43 bills. One is a proposed constitutional amendment that would abolish the state Board of Regents. Another measure calls for holding a constitutional convention.

Both of those should be defeated. The Regents hold a vital role in higher education and Louisiana legislators and voters have made it clear they don’t want a constitutional convention while Republican Jeff Landry is governor.

Some other McMakin bills demonstrate his major interest in driving. One bill establishes penalties for drag racing and racing on public roads. Others deal with creating the crime of felony speeding and reckless operation of a vehicle.

Current law authorizes law enforcement agencies to impound a car used in drag racing for up to 14 days. McMakin’s bill would increase that to at least 30 days.

Felony speeding is described as when the speed of a vehicle exceeds the speed limit by at least 30 mph. McMakin’s measure provides for a fine of not less than $1,000 or imprisonment with or without hard labor for not less than six months, or both.

The reckless operation bill adds driving over 100 mph as reckless operation.

Those are worthwhile driving measures, but as I said at the beginning, they won’t improve driving until law enforcement agencies start enforcing traffic laws.

Jim Beam, the retired editor of the American Press, has covered people and politics for more than six decades. Contact him at jim.beam.press@gmail.com.