It is said that requiring drivers to take an annual driving test is the effective way to improve road transport safety. Arguments against this viewpoint will be justified as follows.
I strongly disagree with this perspective in a number of ways. First, the annual test will require drivers to spend a lot of time and money, and puts great pressure on the transportation system leading to waste of human resources and costs. For example, each exam usually includes a registration fee, a medical examination fee, and fees for test sessions and preparation. For low-income people, these costs can become burdensome. However, traffic accidents can not be prevented in practice because they depend on many factors such as traffic violations, poor infrastructure, and low driver awareness, rather than poor driving skills.
Second, the driving test can not prevent traffic accidents but it also depends on the behavior of traffic participants. For instance, the test often focuses on basic skills and basic traffic laws, but can not help reduce dangerous behaviors such as speeding, running red lights, or drinking and driving. These behaviors require stronger monitoring and penalties than just periodic testing so increased traffic awareness education may be more effective.
In conclusion, while annual driving tests are not a good way to improve traffic safety, relying on this solution alone can cause unnecessary costs and pressures and does not effectively address specific violations. The government can combine violation-based testing measures and use smart monitoring technology, which can be more effective and save resources.