Say for instance I want to buy an AR15. I wouldn't feel disappointed if I was required to have and carry a license...much like a driver's license. Then I need to prove proficiency with that weapon and familiarity in its upkeep and teardown.
The problem with this premise, is that as the states like to point out, driving is a PRIVILEDGE, not a RIGHT. You licence is your states PERMISSION to operate a motor vehicle. If you are a law abiding citizen, you REQUIRE NO PERMISSION to posses a weapon, this is according to the US Constitution! One other thing, while pondering the governments good faith on this issue, if the Constitution says you have the right to freedom of speech, other jurisdictions can give you broader, freedom, they can specifically allow you to say certain things, but they CANNOT make your rights NARROWER than the Constitution! However, the States, Counties and Cities, routinely narrow your rights to keep and bear arms by defining what you don't (in their opinion) have any "real" need for! Registration, licencing, and other schemes all have the potential to find out what you have to confiscate at a later date! Remember Ted Kennedy wanted to ban "Sturday Night Specials" back in the 70's and 80's and one bill he sponsored defined a frame length of less than a certain length as a SNS! Sound reasonable? HIS definition included the venerable Colt .45 Auto, Govt. Issue pistol! (1911A1) Who are YOU going to trust? Me? NO ONE!