This is a really good idea that I have not heard before.

It can also be introduced with new vehicle registrations so as not to bring out the pitchforks. Anyone with a truck can keep going, but next purchase, they need to do a driving test.

I can't imagine parents paying for their kids to do the extra course if it costs them a fraction of that for their kid to drive a regular sedan.

You need to do a pilot study to see if accidents can be reduced. This could be done in a Western town that has tens of miles from it to anywhere else, so you are only putting a few thousand people through the course.

This could be financially incentivised, so people get paid to do the course. If the results are good then you could make it so that people buying a truck or wanting to drive one get $500 off if they have done the course, with insurers in on it so that it just becomes easier to do the course. No freedom to be American need be jeopardised.

I’m not so sure that would keep the pitchforks away.

I think what you are asking is to lower the existing legal thresholds. Today if a vehicle's GVWR/GCWR or axle count exceeds a specific number varies by state then a different endorsement is required on the drivers license. [1] Each state may have additional requirements and some have additional endorsements and classes of vehicle.