Driving is a right?

Alex over at Marginal Revolutions has a mini-rant about a trip to Canada where he encountered a sign that read "Remember, driving is a privilege not a right." :

Despite the fact that I am Canadian, everytime I see this sign my stomach churns with anger and I must suppress a desire to turn back to the U.S. The sign is a reprimand from the rulers to the ruled reminding them of their place. I want to tear it from the ground but my fellow Canadians think my reaction odd. More Americans, I think, would understand and that I suppose is why I call America home.

Riiiight. Thing is, before you can get a driver's license in most US states (and certainly in California) you MUST agree that DRIVING IS A PRIVILEGE NOT A RIGHT. It's usually written on the frickin' inside cover! Now what is the state doing here? Are are liberties under assault? No, they are trying to let you know that you Latte Drinking, SUV driving, 12 mpg getting chowder heads can't just do whatever you please without considering the effect it will have on others. And that is something that is very Canadian... Now if only setting off mexican fireworks was also a privilege, and not a right. Happy Independence Day and Happy Canada Day.