Old biffers - compulsory retest?
Discussion
Having witnessed some spectacularly poor driving by dithering old burners, I wondered why they can still legally drive despite having clearly lost the edge on some of their senses.
Shirley a driving test re-sit at say 65 is a no brainer. It would certainly free up the roads if a few got hacked off the driving license list.
Shirley a driving test re-sit at say 65 is a no brainer. It would certainly free up the roads if a few got hacked off the driving license list.
To be honest, I think you should have mandatory re-testing say every five years at any age. I haven't looked at a Highway Code since I passed my IAM in 1996 (having not looked at one up to that point since I passed my original test in 1977!), because no-one has made me. I bet there's stuff in there that's changed since I last looked......
Good question. I suspect the answer is in insurance premiums. Start expensive with the cocky and inexperienced young, get cheaper as you get older and experienced, then expensive again and senility and blindness set in.
Basically, only women between 25 and 50 should be allowed to drive
Basically, only women between 25 and 50 should be allowed to drive
sticks090460 said:
To be honest, I think you should have mandatory re-testing say every five years at any age. I haven't looked at a Highway Code since I passed my IAM in 1996 (having not looked at one up to that point since I passed my original test in 1977!), because no-one has made me. I bet there's stuff in there that's changed since I last looked......
Devil's advocate perhaps, but I'd be amazed if anything significant could change without you noticing or hearing about it elsewhere.Retests for just the old is an unfair way of going about things - on account of the fact the majority of young people would also fail their tests if done again.
If you're going to retest them, as above introduce compulsory retests for everybody.
In some ways, I'm against that too though. I've been taught that crossing my hands is perfectly acceptable during advanced driving courses, for instance, and I often reverse until my rear tyre taps the curb when parking on the street.
Both would be automatic failures, the latter especially being downright stupid. It doesn't do anybody any harm, and it considerably lessens the chance of me curbing my alloys, while also making it easier to park as close to the side as possible.
In some ways, I think the test is too bureaucratic - lots of boxes to tick and a lot of it doesn't judge how good a driver I am or not.
I would like to introduce a physical examination over a certain age, however. Plenty of older drivers struggle with mobility, and this leads them to be a massive danger on the road. If you can't turn your head to the side, you shouldn't be driving. If you can't see properly, you shouldn't be driving. Etc etc. The amount of crashes that occur in the car park of my mother's old folks home is a joke - leave your car there for an hour and some dopy old bugger will have reversed into it. 5 times. Without even noticing.
If you're going to retest them, as above introduce compulsory retests for everybody.
In some ways, I'm against that too though. I've been taught that crossing my hands is perfectly acceptable during advanced driving courses, for instance, and I often reverse until my rear tyre taps the curb when parking on the street.
Both would be automatic failures, the latter especially being downright stupid. It doesn't do anybody any harm, and it considerably lessens the chance of me curbing my alloys, while also making it easier to park as close to the side as possible.
In some ways, I think the test is too bureaucratic - lots of boxes to tick and a lot of it doesn't judge how good a driver I am or not.
I would like to introduce a physical examination over a certain age, however. Plenty of older drivers struggle with mobility, and this leads them to be a massive danger on the road. If you can't turn your head to the side, you shouldn't be driving. If you can't see properly, you shouldn't be driving. Etc etc. The amount of crashes that occur in the car park of my mother's old folks home is a joke - leave your car there for an hour and some dopy old bugger will have reversed into it. 5 times. Without even noticing.
The sheer effort of co-ordinating retests every 5 years will ensure it doesn't happen. I'm sort of on the fence. Yes it might free up the roads a bit, but would be another expense and hassle to deal with. And what if your licence expires and you've yet to organise or manage to pass another test? How do you get to work Monday?
A physical exam is a good idea - with a reaction test. That'd be almost impossible to 'fake' and has got to show up older drivers' failings.
A physical exam is a good idea - with a reaction test. That'd be almost impossible to 'fake' and has got to show up older drivers' failings.
The evidence is overwhelming that it is not really the oldies that need redressing. They tend to drive modest distances and accrue lower mileage.
The demographic that really dominates the accident numbers are males aged 17-35. The PH demographic.
Frankly, too many of us are not as good as we think we are. We are the most likely to proceed to the scene of the nearest accident.
I was a rubbish driver when 25. I only know that now, 15 years later.
Have the young ones retake their tests or have advanced driving lessons, I say. It would save more lives.
The demographic that really dominates the accident numbers are males aged 17-35. The PH demographic.
Frankly, too many of us are not as good as we think we are. We are the most likely to proceed to the scene of the nearest accident.
I was a rubbish driver when 25. I only know that now, 15 years later.
Have the young ones retake their tests or have advanced driving lessons, I say. It would save more lives.
Astra Dan said:
The sheer effort of co-ordinating retests every 5 years will ensure it doesn't happen. I'm sort of on the fence. Yes it might free up the roads a bit, but would be another expense and hassle to deal with. And what if your licence expires and you've yet to organise or manage to pass another test? How do you get to work Monday?
A physical exam is a good idea - with a reaction test. That'd be almost impossible to 'fake' and has got to show up older drivers' failings.
Yep, agree with this perhaps with a stepped re-test at diminishing intervals as driver ages, say at 30,40,50,60,65,70,73,75 then annually.A physical exam is a good idea - with a reaction test. That'd be almost impossible to 'fake' and has got to show up older drivers' failings.
Eg, first test - fairly straightforward proof of eyesight, reactions and basic competence. Pass and all good, fail any part then a more involved test in that area and so on until competence to drive or not is established. Re-training or license revoked as necessary.
Any costs for running this sort of scheme could probably be recouped from fewer accidents and all associated costs? Well, would go towards it, anyway.
Raize said:
Re-tests would be fine if passing the test had anything to do with being a good driver. So you can pretend you're responsible for half an hour, big f
king deal.
This...king deal. From what I see hardly anyone can drive properly... young, old, middle aged, Male, Female....
I'm sure few people think I can drive, everyone's an expert, it's just all the other idiots who are the problem!
M
marcosgt said:
Raize said:
Re-tests would be fine if passing the test had anything to do with being a good driver. So you can pretend you're responsible for half an hour, big fking deal.
This...king deal. From what I see hardly anyone can drive properly... young, old, middle aged, Male, Female....
I'm sure few people think I can drive, everyone's an expert, it's just all the other idiots who are the problem!
M
Surely the physical side is what is important. It fairly concerning when you see an antique duffer struggle out of M&S using 2 walking sticks and then climb into a tons worth of metal with the ability to cause serious harm with minimual effort.
A ten minute physical examination by a nurse on a bi annual basis over 70 would surely help. a reactions test, mental facility test, etc
A ten minute physical examination by a nurse on a bi annual basis over 70 would surely help. a reactions test, mental facility test, etc
Pig Skill said:
Having witnessed some spectacularly poor driving by dithering old burners, I wondered why they can still legally drive despite having clearly lost the edge on some of their senses.
Shirley a driving test re-sit at say 65 is a no brainer. It would certainly free up the roads if a few got hacked off the driving license list.
Earlier this year my father (77 years old) gave me a lift to Newcastle for a night out. He pulled out of my street and a car nearly ploughed into him. He wasn't even aware the car was there. He then got to a big roundabout with lights on and went through a red claiming he was concentrating on the lane and not the lights. He was in the wrong lane too! Shirley a driving test re-sit at say 65 is a no brainer. It would certainly free up the roads if a few got hacked off the driving license list.
After a talk with my family, my brother decided to tell the doctor to see if it could be medication based as he is diabetic. It wasn't but the doctor informed DVLA. He had to take a test and failed. He couldn't even read the speedo on sunny days. He can't drive now and it's a relief for the family but also other motorists who he might end up hurting or killing with his driving.
It was a hard thing for the family to deal with as he was naturally upset with us but it was for the best.
I think a simple 20 minute driving assessment would be enough every 3 years after 65.
Gassing Station | General Gassing | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff