Wow! Deja vu all over again!
Let's see, how about a "learner's permit" in ham radio? With, let's say, restricted bands? And how about reduced power? And what about limited modes to enable them to practice, learn operating procedures, and kind of "get up to speed?"
Oh? We did that already? The Novice license? Well, maybe the old timers had a couple of good ideas after all!
Nothing like a brand new ham, licensed yesterday, for the first time ever, with an Extra Class ticket and 1500 watts (plus) on 20 meters.
Like taking your kid to the motor vehicle bureau for his first license and letting him drive off in a 400 HP Corvette at rush hour.
OK, in all seriousness, the Novice ticket was exactly this - a 'beginner's' license, a chance to learn what the hobby was about, how to operate, how to conduct a QSO, get acquainted with radio safety, tuning, capabilities, etc., and even to learn "if this is really what I like to do."
Ah, well --- infinite wisdom.
73
Ed W5HTW