resitting driving test after 5 years
Discussion
i definity would. however, although i feel confident that i could, if i had to, pass the driving test tomorrow. But its a question of do you drive like you do to pass every time you are driving. i tend to, apart from the old push and pull rubbish and the odd breaking of the speed limit.
do people who don't indicate when leaving round abouts not do so because they have forgotten to do so- no- its because they are to god damn lazy!!! and its this (the laziness not the indicator thing) that is dangerous. yes there are people who aren't lazy but just incopatant, these people must have passed once-so they will again.
But i suppose know they are shit so won't resit the test-leaving us good drivers to get lower insurance.
my main sceptism is that i doubt how much "safer" it'll make the roads.
do people who don't indicate when leaving round abouts not do so because they have forgotten to do so- no- its because they are to god damn lazy!!! and its this (the laziness not the indicator thing) that is dangerous. yes there are people who aren't lazy but just incopatant, these people must have passed once-so they will again.
But i suppose know they are shit so won't resit the test-leaving us good drivers to get lower insurance.
my main sceptism is that i doubt how much "safer" it'll make the roads.
I'll admit it's some years since I took my test, but the test was then (and I suspect still is) too short sighted.
Nowhere amongst all the anti-speed propoganda is there any suggestion that people should get themselves some advanced training.
Advanced training has got a bad rep because most people think of it as AIM blokes in tweed jackets doing exactly 30mph in their Wolseleys.
Advanced training is relative cheap and of course is fun, yet how many enthusiasts do it? It's about time it was given more emphasis.
That, or people should be forced to take a bike test - that certainly hones your hazard awareness skills
Linking it to insurance isn't going to work unless insurance companies can related the results of advanced training back to lower claims. I don't suppose they're doing much research in the department though as they never ask if you've received any extra training.
Nowhere amongst all the anti-speed propoganda is there any suggestion that people should get themselves some advanced training.
Advanced training has got a bad rep because most people think of it as AIM blokes in tweed jackets doing exactly 30mph in their Wolseleys.
Advanced training is relative cheap and of course is fun, yet how many enthusiasts do it? It's about time it was given more emphasis.
That, or people should be forced to take a bike test - that certainly hones your hazard awareness skills
Linking it to insurance isn't going to work unless insurance companies can related the results of advanced training back to lower claims. I don't suppose they're doing much research in the department though as they never ask if you've received any extra training.
I would support the idea.
As I have said in previous threads, I know many people who within a few days of passing their test drive absolutely terribly. I would support frequent retesting (maybe 6 months after the test, then 1 year, 2 years etc etc) and would like it to test more appropiate things like driving quickly on a motorway, parking etc etc. This is a tall order an no doubt we dont have the resources / time / money to do it. Shame.
Do any other countries have compulsory re-testing?
As I have said in previous threads, I know many people who within a few days of passing their test drive absolutely terribly. I would support frequent retesting (maybe 6 months after the test, then 1 year, 2 years etc etc) and would like it to test more appropiate things like driving quickly on a motorway, parking etc etc. This is a tall order an no doubt we dont have the resources / time / money to do it. Shame.
Do any other countries have compulsory re-testing?
I agree 100%
In every other field of transport (Buses, Trains, Tube, Aircraft, Shipping) the driver/pilot is required to undertake periodic health/competancy tests to ensure their skills are current and of the required standard.
Every time there is an accident in one of these other fields, the authorities review the competance of the driver, and improved training opportunities identified from the analysis.
Why is this not the case with car drivers? We are bloody murdered with high insurance premiums, speed cameras, traffic calming, "dull" cars which have ever more "idiot prevention" (sorry, "safety") devices and patronising government attitude, not to mention the simple frustration of sharing the road with many drivers who, frankly, are not skilled/considerate/intelligent enough to be out there. And what about the estimated 20% of motorists whose eyesight is not to required standards???
It seems both logical and common sense to me that if the Government was serious at all about improving accident rates, we'd all be retaking the test at least every 5-10 years.
It's not like it would cost the Government anything is it? In fact think of the driving instructor jobs which would be created.
I'm not too big to say I'd pass myself, as I'm sure I've picked up a few bad habits over the years, but if the current standard of test is only going to be applied to new drivers, then it will take 40 years for any change in driving standards to occur...
John
In every other field of transport (Buses, Trains, Tube, Aircraft, Shipping) the driver/pilot is required to undertake periodic health/competancy tests to ensure their skills are current and of the required standard.
Every time there is an accident in one of these other fields, the authorities review the competance of the driver, and improved training opportunities identified from the analysis.
Why is this not the case with car drivers? We are bloody murdered with high insurance premiums, speed cameras, traffic calming, "dull" cars which have ever more "idiot prevention" (sorry, "safety") devices and patronising government attitude, not to mention the simple frustration of sharing the road with many drivers who, frankly, are not skilled/considerate/intelligent enough to be out there. And what about the estimated 20% of motorists whose eyesight is not to required standards???
It seems both logical and common sense to me that if the Government was serious at all about improving accident rates, we'd all be retaking the test at least every 5-10 years.
It's not like it would cost the Government anything is it? In fact think of the driving instructor jobs which would be created.
I'm not too big to say I'd pass myself, as I'm sure I've picked up a few bad habits over the years, but if the current standard of test is only going to be applied to new drivers, then it will take 40 years for any change in driving standards to occur...
John
Totally agree. I believe that resitting the most up-to-date test in any subject is usually a good thing.
Driving is a matter for consideration of safety. If people have to continue to improve then surely this must be a good thing. It also weeds out those who should not be on the roads.
Incidently the IAM test is recognised by some insurance companies who will give discount. But you don't have to resit that either.
Driving is a matter for consideration of safety. If people have to continue to improve then surely this must be a good thing. It also weeds out those who should not be on the roads.
Incidently the IAM test is recognised by some insurance companies who will give discount. But you don't have to resit that either.
toby tucker said: Having passed my driving test for the first time in 1973 and having to resit an extended driving test again in January after a 12 month ban for dangerous driving, I can tell you that the current driving test is very challenging. Prior to sitting the test I had to pass the Theory and hazard Perception tests. I also took 6 hours of IAM instruction to make sure that I aware of any 'bad' habit that I had developed since passing in 1973. I would say that without any preparation and IAM instruction then the vast majority of drivers on the road today who have been driving for 10 years or more would probaly fail the test - try reversing round a corner with both both hands on the steering wheel while looking all around you - then try and do it 'normal' way - with your left hand on passenger seat, right hand on steering wheel without taking your right hand off the steering wheel - if you do then you fail !!
Well, isn't this the whole point?!
I definately agree with re-tests every 5 years or less. How about the license running out in 5 years, at which point you go back to provisional status until you pass again. This would make it easy for insurance companies as they already stack the policies for provisional drivers. It may also get rid of some very bad drivers who take ages to pass their tests as they may just get fed up!!
Whilst I would agree with a re-test say every 5 years (the topic of this thread), this just highlights what a load of pedantic bollox the IAM test is. Reversing around a corner is meant as a way to test ones ability to manoeuvre a car in reverse, if a person prefers to do it with their left arm stretched out and the right one steering in order to be able to twist their neck and hence get a better view, and do it successfully then (IMO) that IS the right way, no question. Rich...
toby tucker said: try reversing round a corner with both hands on the steering wheel while looking all around you - then try and do it 'normal' way - with your left hand on passenger seat, right hand on steering wheel without taking your right hand off the steering wheel - if you do then you fail.
RichB said:
toby tucker said: try reversing this just highlights what a load of pedantic bollox the IAM test is. Reversing around a corner is meant as a way to test ones ability to manoeuvre a car in reverse, if a person prefers to do it with their left arm stretched out and the right one steering in order to be able to twist their neck and hence get a better view, and do it successfully then (IMO) that IS the right way, no question. Rich...
Sounds like more of a test of your Yoga ability than your driving ability to me
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