AMcC
Journeyman Pro
Absolutely, but not sure what age it should be set at ?
Should drivers over 70 be retested
- Thread starter Tashyboy
- Start date
Blue in Munich
Crocked Professional Yeti Impersonator
All ages; as Imurg says every 10 years, it's a test of ability, not age.
Tiger man
Challenge Tour Pro
No way there should be a re test every 10 years. Motoring costs enough without this and the impact it could have on people's jobs etc is not practical.
RollinThunder
Assistant Pro
I drive lorries, and for an LGV licence you need an initial medical, and then a medical every 5 years when you're older than 45. I find faults with younger drivers to be mainly related to overconfidence, going too fast and being arrogant. With elderly drivers, it's the opposite, as they lack confidence, tend to drive too conservatively, and are very hesitant.
There is terrible driving within every generation, but the younger drivers are mentally and physically capable of doing something about it, and they drive badly because they're idiots. Unfortunately, for the elderly drivers, age has taken it's toll on their mind and body, and they're not capable of doing a anything about it.
As much as I agree that driving standards amongst the elderly can be very poor, I can't imagine that retesting them will work. There could be social issues, such as if they revoke someone's licence, they could be removing any form of socialising that the person has. People would just complain that they can't survive without a car, and they need it for hospital appointments, etc. Retesting and recertifying elderly drivers would be very difficult to do. With the amount of CCTV cameras I see on our roads, it would be much easier to use it to reprimand drivers for dangerous incidents, and act or ban accordingly.
There is terrible driving within every generation, but the younger drivers are mentally and physically capable of doing something about it, and they drive badly because they're idiots. Unfortunately, for the elderly drivers, age has taken it's toll on their mind and body, and they're not capable of doing a anything about it.
As much as I agree that driving standards amongst the elderly can be very poor, I can't imagine that retesting them will work. There could be social issues, such as if they revoke someone's licence, they could be removing any form of socialising that the person has. People would just complain that they can't survive without a car, and they need it for hospital appointments, etc. Retesting and recertifying elderly drivers would be very difficult to do. With the amount of CCTV cameras I see on our roads, it would be much easier to use it to reprimand drivers for dangerous incidents, and act or ban accordingly.
the smiling assassin
Challenge Tour Pro
There is definitely a point where age should be considered. It will be different for everybody. My wife's 87y/o grandparents both still drive and really should be told to stop. I dread the thought of them tootling about, past nearby schools etc... The reality is they could easily offset taxi costs to all their social engagements against the cost of running a car. There is a perceived 'failure' complex to giving up one's car...somehow it is thought as giving up your independance. The real failure is that most people will probably drive beyond their safe limit due to either stubbornness or lack of self awareness, or a bit of both. Poor driving of younger generations is a completely separate but equally important issue.
SwingsitlikeHogan
Major Champion
In wanting 70yr olds to be re-tested you have to accept that many (the majority?) will fail - even although they may in general be OK drivers. And for a lot of older folks the loss of independence that would result would be a very serious blow and very isolating.
I'll add that my mum was driving up to the point she was admitted to hospital aged 84 after confusion got the better of her- and she should not really have been driving for at least a year before. I'm afraid her lane awareness and concentration over that last year was seriously degraded - and bluntly she was a danger to other road users and pedestrians. Sad but true,
I'll add that my mum was driving up to the point she was admitted to hospital aged 84 after confusion got the better of her- and she should not really have been driving for at least a year before. I'm afraid her lane awareness and concentration over that last year was seriously degraded - and bluntly she was a danger to other road users and pedestrians. Sad but true,
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Doon frae Troon
Ryder Cup Winner
My wife's 84 year old cousin drives like a teenager...........work that one out?
SwingsitlikeHogan
Major Champion
Eh? She's Whatsapping as she drives?
Robster59
Tour Rookie
I'm in full agreement with this. I do 30K+ miles a year and most of the issues I see are not with the 70+ but with those in their 30's, 40's and 50's who think they know it all and last took a test when they were 18. They've forgotten half the rules of the road, couldn't remember 10% of the highway code and don't drive with awareness.
If people fail the re-assessment then that's their lookout and I don't believe it would be costly, in fact they could get revenue from re-testing. It would make the road safer and if it takes some of the dangerous, unsafe, unfit people off the road surely that's a benefit.
I used to be a motorcycle instructor (voluntary but Police trained) and I can certainly vouch that drivers who take to riding 10-20 years after passing their test have forgotten most of the highway code and a lot can't even identify the most rudimentary road signs.
Other countries at least have compulsory eye tests after a certain age. We don't even do that. All a driver has to do is complete a form confirming they're still fit to drive (whether they are or not)
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chrisd
Major Champion
I've seen, like you have, drivers of all ages and both sexes who are awful drivers and I've seen very good ones too. Possibly over 80 might be a point where I would agree that a test could be appropriate but an eye and hearing test would be more important.
I'd then test all drivers up to 30 years old, any women who do the school run in a Chelsea Tractor who haven't got any idea how long and wide their cars are, and also, any immigrants who are clearly driving on a pub purchased Moldovian driving license!
I'd then test all drivers up to 30 years old, any women who do the school run in a Chelsea Tractor who haven't got any idea how long and wide their cars are, and also, any immigrants who are clearly driving on a pub purchased Moldovian driving license!
My dad drove lots of miles through work. Never had an accident in 50+yrs of driving. A great driver, right up until his last 5 years when he became slow/tentative and over cautious. Bearing in mind when that kicked in, i.e. 75, I'd say there is a need to do something about driving standards in the elderly.
As for youngsters; there failings are not being cautious enough. Different issue.
As for youngsters; there failings are not being cautious enough. Different issue.
Doon frae Troon
Ryder Cup Winner
Speeds down country lanes, missing cars by inches.
I have to make quite an effort to stop my right foot from breaking when I am in the passenger seat.
When she was 18 she bought a moped and from Sheffield [on her own] she traveled on a fortnights camping holiday in the Lakes and Southern Scotland.
She does not lack confidence.:lol:
Doon frae Troon
Ryder Cup Winner
Hell of a lot more dangerous though.
HDID Kenny
Challenge Tour Pro
Food for thought to get older drivers of the road. Age 75 revoke licence replace with:
Free bus pass - unlimited travel
Free trains - 25 mile limit
Free taxi - 5 mile limit
Don't see it happening but it is my view :thup:
Free bus pass - unlimited travel
Free trains - 25 mile limit
Free taxi - 5 mile limit
Don't see it happening but it is my view :thup:
S
Snelly
Guest
No.
williamalex1
Money List Winner
Free taxi - 5 mile limit sounds good , the rest we almost have . But Kenny, surely you're entitled to all these concessions already.
:rofl:.So bye bye my game at Glenbervie then , :smirk:
HDID Kenny
Challenge Tour Pro
Free taxi - 5 mile limit sounds good , the rest we almost have . But Kenny, surely you're entitled to all these concessions already.
So bye bye my game at Glenbervie then , :smirk:
Lol William not quite there yet but need to start campaigning now for when it happens
no worries about getting a game at Glenbervie 3 strikes and your out Ps for the townies I would add trams & tubes to bus category. :thup:
SwingsitlikeHogan
Major Champion
On the last one - some groups of like-minded folks already do this for the elderly in their midst. A simple act of caring for our elderly.
HDID Kenny
Challenge Tour Pro
Nice to hear there are still caring folk about :thup:
SwingsitlikeHogan
Major Champion
It's just not that difficult to organise. Drivers just have to make themselves available in the event that an 'oldie' calls in need of lift.
