FabSwingers.com forum: Do you think you should Retake Driving test when over 70?

By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago

Do you think elderly drivers should retake their test when they reach a certain age .

There has been a recent spate of accidents involving older drivers who police have claimed were not fit to hold a licence.

My dad had a stroke 6 years ago and not happy we all said he should never drive again .. as cant do things like he use too its not just his body never be the same but his mind too and if driving could end up killing people In his head he felt he could drive .

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Yes, I do think elderly drivers should take a re-test.

It should be compulsory, free of charge (to them) and frequent (perhaps every 2-3 years).

My thoughts are based on safety for them and all other road users.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

no i dont.

65 would be better

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By *ranny-CrumpetWoman
over a year ago

The Town by The Cross

I object to the ageist assumptions.

Yes I do think people should retake their driving test about every five to ten years ALL of them. Regardless of age.

Most accidents are caused by young males.

Older drivers are more experienced and cause far less accidents.

No one can deny that faculties deteriorate but AGE is no reason for singling people out.

If the elderly drivers were more dangerous stats would show it.

Make young men take the test EVERY year.

Why do you suppose MY insurance is far cheaper than an 18 year olds ?

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By *ranny-CrumpetWoman
over a year ago

The Town by The Cross

Jo...... Your dad had a stroke. I sympathise.

My nephew dropped dead in the back of a taxi thirteen years ago .... cause unknown. No drugs. No drink.

Just glad he wasn't driving.

He was 20 and a fit soldier.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

I'd say a test every 10-15 years starting from the first time you pass.

I also think that basic car maintainence should be part of the test, ie changing a wheel, changing headlight/rear light bulbs, oil & water etc as well as how to understand log books and relevent paperwork.

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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago

"I object to the ageist assumptions.

Yes I do think people should retake their driving test about every five to ten years ALL of them. Regardless of age.

Most accidents are caused by young males.

Older drivers are more experienced and cause far less accidents.

No one can deny that faculties deteriorate but AGE is no reason for singling people out.

If the elderly drivers were more dangerous stats would show it.

Make young men take the test EVERY year.

Why do you suppose MY insurance is far cheaper than an 18 year olds ?

"
yes and same when people first pass test dont make them good drivers , So do you think everyone should retake test ? no matter of age ... just somthing thay do like a passport ?

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

driving test ?? whats one of them ?? lol most of the younger folk i know ( males ) drive like dicks and they wonder why they get insurance quotes of 3 grand plus ,,

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By *ranny-CrumpetWoman
over a year ago

The Town by The Cross

Yes Jo. I think we should all retake regularly. Not just the elderly.

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By *ranny-CrumpetWoman
over a year ago

The Town by The Cross

Taken from ROSPA

Today, Great Britain has one of the best road safety records in Europe and the world. Despite massive increases in traffic over the last few decades, the number of people killed on our roads has fallen from around 5,500 per year in the mid 1980s to well under 2,000 in 2010. However, this still means that around five people die on Britain’s roads every day.

Sadly, driver error remains the most common cause of road accidents.

Speeding

Around 430 people a year are killed in crashes in which someone exceeds the speed limit or drives too fast for the conditions.

Drink Driving

Around 250 people die a year in crashes in which someone was over the legal drink drive limit.

Seat Belt Wearing

Around 300 lives each year could be saved if everyone always wore their seat belt.

Careless Driving

More than 300 deaths a year involve someone being "careless, reckless or in a hurry", and a further 125 involve "aggressive driving".

At-work

Around one third of fatal and serious road crashes involve someone who was at work.

Inexperience

More than 430 people are killed in crashes involving young car drivers aged 17 to 24 years, every year, including over 150 young drivers, 90 passengers and more than 180 other road users.

Failed to Look Properly

40% of road crashes involve someone who ‘failed to look properly’.

Loss of Control

One third of fatal crashes involved ‘loss of control’ of a vehicle. Failed to Judge Other Person’s Path/SpeedOne in five crashes involve a road user failing to judge another person’s path or speed.

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By *aGaGagging for itCouple
over a year ago

Newcastle upon Tyne

I do think that the test should be retaken at some stage, though not sure if 70 is the right stage. I think that it should also be retaken if there is any doubt as to the driver's competancy regardless of age. I also think that having a licence should be regarded as a privilege and not a right, so that those who persistently breach driving laws, or under certain conditions cause a fatal RTC, should lose their licence and not be able to regain it. Another one is that a driving ban should not run while the offender is in prsion, but only start when they come out otherwise it is not a ban!

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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago

"Jo...... Your dad had a stroke. I sympathise.

My nephew dropped dead in the back of a taxi thirteen years ago .... cause unknown. No drugs. No drink.

Just glad he wasn't driving.

He was 20 and a fit soldier."
just if we was not there telling him he could not drive he would have .. as in his own mind he was thinking he just had to sit there do very little .Thats sad just 20 years old ... lifes just not fair at times .

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

I am 75 years old and have been driving for over 50 years. I agree about young men and women being tested again aafter a couple of years. We should also train youngsters to drive on motorways too! All people should either take a retest at 50 and 70 or take the Institute of Advanced Motorists test! When I passed my driving test in 1961 the instructor said that I can now start to learn to drive!! I had an HGV licence for many years till I was 60! we don't teach people to drive, we teach them to pass the test!!!

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By *ranny-CrumpetWoman
over a year ago

The Town by The Cross

"Jo...... Your dad had a stroke. I sympathise.

My nephew dropped dead in the back of a taxi thirteen years ago .... cause unknown. No drugs. No drink.

Just glad he wasn't driving.

He was 20 and a fit soldier. just if we was not there telling him he could not drive he would have .. as in his own mind he was thinking he just had to sit there do very little .Thats sad just 20 years old ... lifes just not fair at times ."

I've long known life is not fair. What I was trying to point out is that illness and death don't come at old age.

They come from the moment we are born.

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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago

"Jo...... Your dad had a stroke. I sympathise.

My nephew dropped dead in the back of a taxi thirteen years ago .... cause unknown. No drugs. No drink.

Just glad he wasn't driving.

I've long known life is not fair. What I was trying to point out is that illness and death don't come at old age.

They come from the moment we are born."
true gran x i am a bit slow thanks xx

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By *ranny-CrumpetWoman
over a year ago

The Town by The Cross

Don't give me that Jo x you are one smart cookie xx and a kind one too.

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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago

"Don't give me that Jo x you are one smart cookie xx and a kind one too. "
xxx gran i like your posts i do think all ages should take a Re-test at some point and eye test maybe with it too . See my mums a good driver now 70 and on the ball ... just had to have glasses in the last 5 years for driving , My younger girl passed not long ago and never been on the Dual Carriageways just country roads I feel she will need help from us with that .

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Insurance companies would probably say they are no less safe than the 20-30 age group if premiums are to be believed. Currently above 70 you have to have be medically fit to drive so I think that's covered. The disability issue with drivers is also covered by a medical certificate. If we go down the rout of discriminating against the elderly or disabled it would be a very draconian measure.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

I'm pretty sure if both my parents in their 50s took the test, both would fail by a lot.

The tests keep changing over the years and I know when my parents passed it was pretty easy, now you have to do so much.

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By *iamondsmiles.Woman
over a year ago

little house on the praire

Think everyone should have to take it every ten years. Just because someone is an older driver doesnt make them a bad driver although i know two people who where driving in their 90's and both stopped when they no longer felt safe.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Personal view on this

No driving until 25

And no driving after 65

Like I said my personal view

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By *ranny-CrumpetWoman
over a year ago

The Town by The Cross

"Personal view on this

No driving until 25

And no driving after 65

Like I said my personal view "

Possibly the daftest thing you've ever said Craig.

Not the most punishable but certainly the daftest...... :P

What's your reasoning behind your words ?

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By *emmefataleWoman
over a year ago

dirtybigbadsgirlville

Does anyone know if DRs contact the DVLA when someone has been diagnosed with Alzheimers Disease?

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By *ranny-CrumpetWoman
over a year ago

The Town by The Cross

"Does anyone know if DRs contact the DVLA when someone has been diagnosed with Alzheimers Disease?"

If they do , let me know. I'm bloody fed up of coming out of Superstores n not knowing where the bloody car is!

Alzheimers wouldn't make you a bad driver would it ?

Surely you'd just forget where you were going and keep going till the petrol ran out.

Good thought. I need to find out about this ......

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By *ranny-CrumpetWoman
over a year ago

The Town by The Cross

Femme..... Go to Rospa there's a good do dah there on the elderly and driving......

It's called SAGE do a search.

Here's a bit from it. I don't like it but tough on me ......it's there.

Older drivers have a crash rate per mile almost as high as teenage drivers (Sabey 1991).

As the number of older drivers grows, this increased crash rate “presents an obvious threat to the safety of the motoring public” according to A.J.McKnight of the U.S. National Public Services Institute.

But this threat is not just to other road users, because of their age and increasing frailty, older people are more likely to be seriously injured in an crash, and are more likely to die from these injuries than younger people (Evans 1993).

The normal ageing process includes many physiological changes which affect driving ability (Bevan 1993). In addition to the normal ageing process many older people suffer with chronic health problems both physical and mental. These health problems can, in themselves, adversely effect driving while the medication taken to treat these conditions may also impair driving performance (Cartwright 1990).

Given these facts it is not surprising that driving licences have to be renewed at the age of 70. What is surprising is that there is no formal means of checking whether the effects of the ageing process, chronic health problems or medication, have resulted in the individuals driving performance deteriorating to the point at which they pose an unacceptable risk to themselves and others.

RoSPA Road

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"Personal view on this

No driving until 25

And no driving after 65

Like I said my personal view

Possibly the daftest thing you've ever said Craig.

Not the most punishable but certainly the daftest...... :P

What's your reasoning behind your words ?

Like I say just my take on it

I didn't drive myself till nearly 25

And to be honest if I can give it up at 65 I will

There are far to many cars on the road and it's only going to get worse

4 lane motorways and more roads are getting more and more congested

As I said my opinion and I know that's controversial xx

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

curently, hgv drivers have to take medicals every 5 years after 60 (i think) so why not for car drivers.

in all honesty, i think the car test is not rigorous enough.

it should include a portion of motorcycle,bicycle and hgv awareness too as most car drivers now dont seem to see past the end of their own bonnet.

there should also be REAL rewarrds, in terms of insurance, for young drivers doing pass plus or advanced tests, as opposed to just a cost reduction of insurance.

not meaning to offend, but most of the people that didnt need to take a test are no longer with us, but there are still some, and the amount of foreingers on our roads that dont have to take them is increasing.

there cannot be a blanket solution to this, but there are ways of making the roads safer, and the first would be to stop saying speed kills, because it doesnt.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

You all seem to be talking like car drivers.How about simply making the car test the same as that for a motor cycle. Now you will hear the youger people complaining they do nto feel they should have to go through such a test. I am 72, I have been driving for 56 years. I must admit I have once been fined for doing 38 in 30 mph limit. When the time comes for me to quit driving, my doctor will advise me

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"Insurance companies would probably say they are no less safe than the 20-30 age group if premiums are to be believed. Currently above 70 you have to have be medically fit to drive so I think that's covered. The disability issue with drivers is also covered by a medical certificate. If we go down the rout of discriminating against the elderly or disabled it would be a very draconian measure."

Its out of order discriminating against the disabled drivers. Its the young thick kids who are the danger.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

No, I think it should be done regularly, but I do think people should have their eye tests linked to the dvlc, some people refuse to admit they can no longer see to drive safely, it is likely to be related to age but not definitive.

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By *umourCouple
over a year ago

Rushden

The first thing I would do is stop repeated tests for any form of driving! Taking the driving test until by fluke you happen to pass is not good for road safety. There was a woman about 20 years ago who did this and was a terrible driver! As someone else said, driving is a privilege not a right!

For the rest? Granny has it spot on! Why single out older drivers when most accidents are by the young?. However, Granny, I don’t believe that second piece of research you posted. If it were true that older drivers have “Crash rate per mile almost as high as teenagers” then insurance companies would rape up over the bonnet of our cars for insurance!

I did notice that it was actually American research, so perhaps they have a different demographic of accident causation..

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By *enithWoman
over a year ago

closer than you think

"You all seem to be talking like car drivers.How about simply making the car test the same as that for a motor cycle. Now you will hear the youger people complaining they do nto feel they should have to go through such a test. I am 72, I have been driving for 56 years. I must admit I have once been fined for doing 38 in 30 mph limit. When the time comes for me to quit driving, my doctor will advise me

says 61 and 57 on profile

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

I think it's absolutely essential. My dad refuses to go to the doctors even tho it's stunningly clear that he has early onset alzheimers He is afraid that they will take his licence off him.

If his licence was already revoked down to a standardised test then he would have no hesitation in seeking the helps he needs for his illness.

To be frank, they should be taking his licence off him, he's just now becoming a danger and I refuse to let my children in the car with him. It horrify's me that he's still on the roads.

They should make you re-test every 5 years from retirement age in my opinion.

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By *littylikka69Man
over a year ago

West Midlands

[Removed by poster at 13/02/12 15:31:51]

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By *littylikka69Man
over a year ago

West Midlands

i think eye testing should be done regular for sure and a driving re-test every 5 years would show up the bad habits that have crept into the driving.

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By *ranny-CrumpetWoman
over a year ago

The Town by The Cross

"No, I think it should be done regularly, but I do think people should have their eye tests linked to the dvlc, some people refuse to admit they can no longer see to drive safely, it is likely to be related to age but not definitive."

There's nothing wrong with my eyesight. Nice spaniel you have Mr. xxxx

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By *ranny-CrumpetWoman
over a year ago

The Town by The Cross

[Removed by poster at 13/02/12 15:38:41]

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By *ranny-CrumpetWoman
over a year ago

The Town by The Cross

"The first thing I would do is stop repeated tests for any form of driving! Taking the driving test until by fluke you happen to pass is not good for road safety. There was a woman about 20 years ago who did this and was a terrible driver! As someone else said, driving is a privilege not a right!

I did notice that it was actually American research, so perhaps they have a different demographic of accident causation..

Uhmmmm I got it from ROSPA ......

Did you mean RAPE up over the BONNET ....or have you been here too long...?

Either way it made me feel horny.

Any psycholgists in ????

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By *ranny-CrumpetWoman
over a year ago

The Town by The Cross

"I think it's absolutely essential. My dad refuses to go to the doctors even tho it's stunningly clear that he has early onset alzheimers He is afraid that they will take his licence off him.

If his licence was already revoked down to a standardised test then he would have no hesitation in seeking the helps he needs for his illness.

To be frank, they should be taking his licence off him, he's just now becoming a danger and I refuse to let my children in the car with him. It horrify's me that he's still on the roads.

They should make you re-test every 5 years from retirement age in my opinion. "

This scares me. Too many young people try to attribute natural changes of ageing to alzheimers.....

It's fucking dangerous and uneccessary.

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By *littylikka69Man
over a year ago

West Midlands

There's nothing wrong with my eyesight. Nice spaniel you have Mr. xxxx "

its not just older drivers that need eyetests for sure!,lots of younger drivers careering around roads completly oblivious to road conditions,road signs and traffic lights.

if they do not know what the signs/lights are for?,they should not be driving!.

if they did not see them?,they definitly should not be driving!.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

I think 'everyone' should 'have' to retake their test every 10 years. The standard of driving in the last few Years has totally gone to shit and I'm pretty sure just being able to open the door get's you a pass. Personally I would like a 'KA' seeking missile fitted to my car as those drivers must drive with their eyes closed.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Yes, having nearly had an accident with an OAP last week. Feckin idiot

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"I think it's absolutely essential. My dad refuses to go to the doctors even tho it's stunningly clear that he has early onset alzheimers He is afraid that they will take his licence off him.

If his licence was already revoked down to a standardised test then he would have no hesitation in seeking the helps he needs for his illness.

To be frank, they should be taking his licence off him, he's just now becoming a danger and I refuse to let my children in the car with him. It horrify's me that he's still on the roads.

They should make you re-test every 5 years from retirement age in my opinion.

This scares me. Too many young people try to attribute natural changes of ageing to alzheimers.....

It's fucking dangerous and uneccessary."

Natural changes of ageing?? My mother is seriously worried about him. He got lost in town over night because he couldn't remember how to get home! He's lived in the same town for 20 years. This is not natural!

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By *ranny-CrumpetWoman
over a year ago

The Town by The Cross

"I think it's absolutely essential. My dad refuses to go to the doctors even tho it's stunningly clear that he has early onset alzheimers He is afraid that they will take his licence off him.

If his licence was already revoked down to a standardised test then he would have no hesitation in seeking the helps he needs for his illness.

To be frank, they should be taking his licence off him, he's just now becoming a danger and I refuse to let my children in the car with him. It horrify's me that he's still on the roads.

They should make you re-test every 5 years from retirement age in my opinion.

This scares me. Too many young people try to attribute natural changes of ageing to alzheimers.....

It's fucking dangerous and uneccessary.

I didn't mean your dad specifically.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"Does anyone know if DRs contact the DVLA when someone has been diagnosed with Alzheimers Disease?"

No they dont cos u have to sign a disclaimer to allow the DVLA to speak to your GP - they can only advise someone to notify the DVLA

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Bring it on I would test them, electrocute them and force them to put make up on via the rear view mirror while singing along to Motorhead whilst eating a ginsters finest.

Then if they pass make them run 100 meters in under 14 seconds. I wouldn't limit it to the old codgers though.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"Yes Jo. I think we should all retake regularly. Not just the elderly."

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Everyone should be subject to compulsory retests, not just the elderly.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"Everyone should be subject to compulsory retests, not just the elderly.

I agree... But... At 52 and in reasonable health... The thought of having to take a theory test tightens me sphincter...

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Every 10 years and 3 years after 60.

If you loose your license due to points etc, you have to start all over again by having a test and a new licence.

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By *athnBobCouple
over a year ago

sandwell

No one should object to retaking the driving test.

It is the minimum standard needed to be on the roads.

If you can't reach that standard you should NOT be on the road.

On a side note, as already mentioned, basic car maintenance should be included. In the past 12 months I have changed two wheels for co workers who did not have a clue and a 3rd asked me "Do you know if my car has a spare?" It's your car dumbass!

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

i don't think anyone should have to retake the test but

i do think all drivers no matter what age should have to have an eye test every year to be aloud to drive once they have passed there test .

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By *iamondsmiles.Woman
over a year ago

little house on the praire

Ive never been able to hold a driving licence due to the fact that i have an illness that prevents me from doing so. Having said that im quite glad i dont drive in this day and age

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

a good idea if it saves lives or accidents, too be completely honest i wudnt pass now as i must be the worst reverse parker in the world,would completely balls that up

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By *ucsparkMan
over a year ago

dudley

"Do you think elderly drivers should retake their test when they reach a certain age .

There has been a recent spate of accidents involving older drivers who police have claimed were not fit to hold a licence.

The sods made me hand back mine. The horrible thought is that I probably still better than half the coffin dodgers that are driving and for that matter alot of other road users.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Why?

I get fed up with all these tests, courses that somehow supposed to make us safer.

If you've driven for years without problem and are in good health what goods a test?

Insurance companies aren't daft, my insurance is cheap because I don't bash into things, most young drivers moan about elder drivers because they're slowing their progress to their next accident.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"Do you think elderly drivers should retake their test when they reach a certain age .

There has been a recent spate of accidents involving older drivers who police have claimed were not fit to hold a licence.

I've been amazed by the mobility (or lack of) of patients who have attended appointments

If someone ran out in front of them there would be no way they'd stop or see them in some cases

Its frightening to say the least

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By *ourgeMan
over a year ago

stourport nr kidderminster

i think all people should retest , people for get to do the basic things when they drive , and what the high way code says ,

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