Over 70s driving tests - Page 2

cleanbluesky · 06-02-2009, 15:19

Quote:

Originally Posted by Takhisis

Surely that is what a test like this would do though? It isn't saying "you're too old, you can't drive", its a way of judging on an individual basis whether the person is safe enough behind the wheel.

Considering the way most people drive, I'm all for mandatory retests every 5-10 years anyway

It would require lots of effort for me to pass my test again, I'm sure it would require the same amount of effort for a 70 year old. Why should someone face a re-test due to their age when other indicators of potential disability (such as sight and disability) are given much greater freedom to judge their own capacity to drive by the DVLA?

LeperousDust · 06-02-2009, 15:30

I don't think it would be that much effort to pass your test again, yes you'd definitely need to brush up on a few things, but its all there. If its going to be that difficult i should question why you're driving now? Same with most of the population really... As long as there wasn't another associated cost with driving i'd take a test every 5 years, if it keeps mad people off the road i'm fine with that as well.

Fayshun · 06-02-2009, 15:33

There's a massive difference between everyday driving and driving to pass a test.

Burble · 06-02-2009, 15:34

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fayshun

There's a massive difference between everyday driving and driving to pass a test.

Thank god for that!

Fayshun · 06-02-2009, 15:42

Quote:

Originally Posted by Burble

Thank god for that!

I'd fail before I got out the test centre!

Mark · 06-02-2009, 16:07

I'm sure they could come up with some sort of specific test for this purpose. Many of the older drivers have never been tested to modern standards anyway (which in itself might be an issue, but not one I'd argue).

Something along the lines of a simple medical and a hazard perception test would screen out the majority of those who are no longer safe to drive.

However, that approach would require application of common sense - something I'm not sure our government are capable of.

Burble · 06-02-2009, 16:32

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fayshun

I'd fail before I got out the test centre!

Ditto. But I'm definitely a better driver for it.

LeperousDust · 06-02-2009, 17:05

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fayshun

There's a massive difference between everyday driving and driving to pass a test.

I agree i'm not saying there isn't but its not hard to drive to driving test standards for a test once in a while, and as mentioned it would do everyone good. Yeah it involves a million checks before you even turn the ignition and move but they're not difficult!? Just a little bit of forethought and brushing up the day before would be enough to sort you out really...

cheets · 06-02-2009, 17:32

An old chap who lived in my street driving deteriorated as he got older, I remember seeing him pull out onto the main right infront of a oncoming car, the driver had to slam on, I saw him to it again coming out of the local Somerfield, I think at a certain aged you should be re tested, If you are old enough to retire then you should have to re take a driving test.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/...al/4970182.stm

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/wales/7859367.stm

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/wales/7789750.stm

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/arti...-motorway.html

http://www.metro.co.uk/weird/article...9&in_page_id=2

http://www.duck2watercarinsurance.co...te-to-rise.htm

Above are links I found on google, they are basic errors that no driver should be making.

cleanbluesky · 06-02-2009, 17:40

Quote:

Originally Posted by LeperousDust

it would do everyone good.

I'm surprised you don't voluntarily re-test then. It would do you good, be in your benefit etc... its common sense.

06-02-2009, 15:30	#12
LeperousDust Bananaman Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Liverpool/Edinburgh Posts: 4,817	I don't think it would be that much effort to pass your test again, yes you'd definitely need to brush up on a few things, but its all there. If its going to be that difficult i should question why you're driving now? Same with most of the population really... As long as there wasn't another associated cost with driving i'd take a test every 5 years, if it keeps mad people off the road i'm fine with that as well. __________________

06-02-2009, 15:33	#13
Fayshun Rocket Fuel Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Adrift in the Orca Posts: 6,845	There's a massive difference between everyday driving and driving to pass a test. __________________ We must move forward not backward, upwards not forward, and always twirling, twirling, twirling...

06-02-2009, 16:07	#16
Mark Screaming Orgasm Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Newbury Posts: 15,194	I'm sure they could come up with some sort of specific test for this purpose. Many of the older drivers have never been tested to modern standards anyway (which in itself might be an issue, but not one I'd argue). Something along the lines of a simple medical and a hazard perception test would screen out the majority of those who are no longer safe to drive. However, that approach would require application of common sense - something I'm not sure our government are capable of.

06-02-2009, 17:32	#19
cheets Long Island Iced Tea Join Date: Sep 2008 Posts: 442	An old chap who lived in my street driving deteriorated as he got older, I remember seeing him pull out onto the main right infront of a oncoming car, the driver had to slam on, I saw him to it again coming out of the local Somerfield, I think at a certain aged you should be re tested, If you are old enough to retire then you should have to re take a driving test. http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/...al/4970182.stm http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/wales/7859367.stm http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/wales/7789750.stm http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/arti...-motorway.html http://www.metro.co.uk/weird/article...9&in_page_id=2 http://www.duck2watercarinsurance.co...te-to-rise.htm Above are links I found on google, they are basic errors that no driver should be making.