It's generally harder to build a car than a drone, so the analogy really doesn't hold. But yes, car registration is still stupid.

Also cars are multi-ton objects moving at incredible speed operated by a texting driver which routinely fly into each other causing death and dismemberment daily. Daily.

replace drone with radio-transmitters above certain power operating in certain frequencies.

HAM operators are proud of the strict licencing requirements and the test they need.