FWIW, driving tests are WAAAAAAAAAY too easy to obtain. Both financially and skill wise.
I know the 2a is a right, not a privilege, and I don't have an answer for this, but I honestly wonder about CCW without an exhaustive skill test (flame suit engaged). Look at the idiots on the road here going 55 in the left lane, can't merge worth a damn and come to a COMPLETE stop on the short freeway on ramps in town, text, talk, eat, do makeup....they just have a general lack of responsibility and a basic understanding of physics, particularly on the subject of mass and velocity.
Ex: Voting is a right, but if you vote purely on how someone else votes without ever viewing or studying what a candidate truly stands for, should you still be able to vote?
I'm not saying to make the 2a restrictive. I AM worried about the legion of idiots out there.
I see the "don't turn people loose with concealed guns on the public" on every forum and news site. I think if we just stood back and looked at the reality of people's situations, we can protect 2A rights and the public at large.
1. If a TRO is filed, gang activity is rampant, or some other demonstrable threat exists, and the complainant wants to concealed carry, issue a temporary license. In fact, you can make the temporary permit an automatic "feature" for getting a TRO against someone else. The Complaintnts aren't carrying for any other reason than self protection. During that period, she (he?) can take classes, attend training, and qualify for a long term permit. It's a viable balance between the need to exercise a right and the responsibility to protect the public at large.
2. For those with no immediate threat initiating CCW, they take the long term permit route. No temporary permit. Just take the classes, attend training and apply for the regular permit (long term).
3. Just like Cops, I think there should also be annual requals. It helps to make sure changes in the law get disseminated, and training remains fresh.
While Constitutional carry is a fine ideal, I think there should be permits to ensure the gun toting population meets a minimum standard of proficiency and knowledge. That minimum is always going to evokes the question "And who determines what the minimum is?"
The minimum standard should be set by training professionals and firearm experts, not politicians or police chiefs in Honolulu!