Final answer:
State and local government agencies like the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and state police ensure that only qualified drivers operate vehicles on state highways. The DMV issues licenses, while state police enforce traffic laws, ensuring driver compliance and road safety.
Step-by-step explanation:
The agency that ensures qualified drivers have the ability to operate a vehicle on state highways vary by state but often involves the state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or equivalent. The DMV is responsible for issuing driver's licenses, which includes administering driving tests to assess a person's ability to operate a vehicle safely. On the other hand, enforcement of traffic laws, including driver qualifications and conduct on the highways, is typically handled by state police, and in some cases, local or county police. However, the role of local or county police is generally restricted to the areas within their respective jurisdictions.
Furthermore, state (and sometimes local) governments regulate highway safety measures including laws against cellphone use while driving. The evolution of this power has significant historical context, such as the Federal Highway Act of 1956, which led to the construction of the federal interstate system and impacted domestic transportation.
The act of regulating and overseeing driver ability and highway safety is an important aspect of maintaining safe roadways for all users. The state police and DMV work collaboratively to ensure that only qualified drivers are allowed on the highways and that traffic laws are followed to reduce accidents and enhance the general welfare of the public while traveling.