I think a retest (at 70 years old?) would be the best idea at a certain age but not to the standard of a test that we all had to pass when we were younger. I think a test which focuses on the aspects which are affected by age would suffice, things that would be obvious to an examiner, eyesight, reaction times, mental state etc. If these old folk were subjected to a standard driving test you could bet that somewhere between 95% to 100% would fail so you might as well take the license off them anyway and save all the trouble......I'm only 35 years old and I know I would fail.
You learn to pass a test with a driving instructor - you learn to drive after you pass your test - that's what I say to people I teach in a classroom - it's an analogy I use when teaching people to pass microsoft exams. A good instructor will teach you to drive - a bad one will teach you enough to get through your test and no more!! (not saying which you are crumble just a point really)
i know some of the laws are ridiculous. makes you wonder who decides on what ages you can do certain things?
You can only teach them so much, I can teach them the manoeuvres which is easy enough but general driving is a lot about anticipating other road users and being aware of the different types of drivers on the roads. When the pupils have passed their test I actually say to them now the learning begins because they are on their own. I even give them a free motorway lesson to show the difference between dual carriageway and motorway driving. Fingers crossed I seem to have had sensible pupils and they seem to be doing ok.
It's easier to go 100 on the motorway? You can overtake on the inside lane in the motorway? Not sure what you mean
Mainly the difference in speed, people tend to go faster on the motorways than on the dual carriageways around City centres due to how busy they are. How you have to be more aware of the speed of the traffic, i.e. looking behind you as well as in front to get a constant up to date "picture" of all the traffic on the road. Also that when finishing an overtaking manoeuvre to go back into the normal driving lane and not sit in the overtaking lanes . Pretty much point out all the bad driving faults I see as we go.
Agree with most that after about 65 there should be eye and general health checks every couple of years. I also think the minimum age should be increased to 19 or 20.
Should be allowed to learn at 16, but shouldn't be allowed to take or pass a test till 18. Any older and its hard lines if you were an 18 year old who is applying for jobs more than 20 miles away.
tell you what, if old folk had to take their test again I would hate to be the examiner who has to tell them that they have failed and say 'please can I have your license' and swap it for a free bus pass! Telling some 4 foot 6 frail old dear that they have failed, them crying their eyes out! Then there's the other end of the scale having to tell some right hard old bastard that they cannot drive ever again, having to wrestle their driving license from them! Violent attacks on examiners would increase drastically.
A lot of old folk have very nice wheels!! Do you want to tell an old guy he has to give up his beloved jag/merc/bentley...?
I'm 66 so you can __ck right off with your bi annual tests from 65. Drivers should be taught defensive driving, looking far ahead not just what's in front of your bonnet, anticipation, and use your mirrors, tell them indicating Dosent wear out your bulbs so fu__ing use them, teach them lane discipline and a few road manners and that will help. I think it's down to each individual to know their limitations,I will know when it's time to quit but you do see a lot of 80+ drivers being given a wide berth by other road users, and please don't get me onto boy racer types, ALL age groups have their dipsticks.
I'd change the age to drive to 21 unless it's a work related. And I'd make annual refreshers from 65 up. Must old drives are great but the odd few who's health is deteriorating in one way or an other, accidents can be avoided with yearly checks.
Everyone should be tested yearly. Too many **** heads on the road regardless of age. I was sat in that traffic today cursing all and sundry. Took me 6 hours to get from Worksop to Oxford (it should only take 2 and a half)
I wouldnt even bother driving if I had to take a yearly test! it wouldnt be worth the stress for me. and the constant failure would cost me a fortune.
Speaking as a more mature person who has held a driving licence since 1960 and having had the necessary amount of medicals to confirm I am not a danger to anyone on the road I can honestly say that I have never had an accident, but I have seen loads in my mirror.
