Refresher training for OAP

[Omaruk]

My mum passed her test probably 45 years ago. Obviously, roads and vehicles and conditions have changed considerably. I feel she could certainly do with a refresher.

She has never been a good driver, so basic increase in awareness, lane discipline etc . I was thinking of booking her a few lessons with a standard driving instructor. What would people recommend as the best approach?

[akirk]

Has she any interest in doing it - that is probably the starting point, an acceptance of need...
If that is there, then any driving instructor should be able to bring her back to test standard, and beyond that IAM / ROSPA / etc.

[Orillion]

akirk said:

Has she any interest in doing it - that is probably the starting point, an acceptance of need...
If that is there, then any driving instructor should be able to bring her back to test standard, and beyond that IAM / ROSPA / etc.

Any driving instructor should be able to do it, but many would be well outside their comfort zone. You might be able to find a local ADI who specialises in such work, or your local council might run a scheme like County Durham's:

http://www.durham.gov.uk/article/3423/Driver-train...

[Glosphil]

Some councils run schemes aimed specifically at the 'older' driver - Gloucestershire, for instance, with SAGE (Safer Driving with Age).

[Omaruk]

Great suggestions chaps

[R0G]

My IAM Leicester group does it for free under the banner of an assessment drive

[watchnut]

I'm a driving instructor, and offer help to those who would like a "refresher" in their driving skills, but, sadly rarely are we ever asked to carry out this kind of help. Like said, things move on, engineering in vehicles is so much more advanced. Roads are so much more difficult to drive on now, other road users much more bullish/intolerant/impatient, and believe it or not for those of you who still think the speed limit for cars on a dual carriageway is 60......things change!

It has already been said ANY driving instructor should be able to help, but I would be more inclined to find a "Fleet Registered" Instructor who has had further training in dealing with full licence holders

The "Energy saving trust" employ fleet registered instructors for "eco" training courses, and they may be able to put you in touch with one local to your requirements

You could also review if driving is what she really wants.....is there a good bus service in her area?.....and maybe catch the bus to the shops, and taxi home with the weekly shop? Work out costs of driving, owning a car against public transport/Taxi. How often will she drive? Distances? convenience? her health/eyesight etc....These are the type questions I ask when helping "older" drivers work out if they actually need to be driving

good luck

Edited by watchnut on Friday 1st May 11:06