ID Cards/ Driver's Licences

Can anyone explain to me why people the UK are not required to carry id? I don't understand how people can drive their cars and leave their licences at home.

I know that if they are pulled over by the police they are required to show their licence within a certain time limit at their local station, but that only works if they have a licence. If you are driving without a licence then what happens to you? Nothing?

I have asked the locals about this and was told that the police would basically track you down. Uhmmm, how exactly? I'm sure those that are caught without a licence are not going to be so forthcoming to give their own name and address when asked.

Your thoughts?

The laws in this country can be quite goofy at times. If you drive without a license, strike and kill someone, you will likely escape with a fine of 200 pounds.

Welcome to the UK.

But there must be some sort of reason for this practice. Someone told me that it was against their right to have to carry id. This confused me greatly because people in the UK do not have "rights" in the way we do. I think their "rights" flow from common law. (Incidentally, any solicitors/barristers out there? Feel free to throw in your two pence.)

One person told me that she doesn't carry her licence on her because it is too valuable. How is it valuable exactly? It seems entirely unnecessary.