So, as the poll suggests, would you support mandatory driver testing for all drivers?

Let me explain: Recently, there has been a lot of talk on here, and in the media about the abilities of drivers on our roads.

This is especially perniant when you consider the tragic loss suffered by one of our members here recently.

Consider that a large majority of drivers have their licence by the age of 20. The next mandatory test is not until age 75. That is 55 years between tests.

If the support is apparent, what I would propose to the Government, is that a mandatory licence test is carried out every 10 years from the date a driver first gains their licence, until age 75, when the current regime takes effect again.

Think about this: how much more traffic is there on the road since when you started driving? How many road laws have changed since you got your licence?

I know that for one, my driving is not absolutely perfect. This testing regime is not designed to target one group of people, but would apply equally to all holders of a drivers licence.

I understand that driving licence testing & administration is state based, but if one government picks it up, the others are more likely to follow.

So, your thoughts?

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2004 D2a TD5 "Classic"
Black as the Ace of Spades
EGR, Centre muffler & a little bit of Toombie magic


Land Rover - Making mechanics out of drivers since 1948

I just went for my moto lic in NSW, and had to do the theory test as well. I did the RTA trial test on their website and ..failed! there was a fair bit of stuff that I didn't know, or was simply wrong about. Needless to say I studied up and learned a lot of things.. Then I got 100%

I think a theory test every 5 years would keep people up to speed with the changes in the rules.

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Hercules: 1986 110 Isuzu 3.9
Brutus: 1969 109 ExMil 2a FFT (loved and lost)

I have a aging relative that has had a quad bypass and currently suffers from very low blood pressure. Not a real good combo, but if he lost his (percieved) independance of still having a drivers licence then I honestly think he would sit in his lounge chair, watch foxtel and give up on life. The renewal system for licences requires him to take an eye test (only), which he can pass easily.

It is a really tough call to risk him staying on the road and potentially hurting others or watching him giveup on life. We (well mainly Nan) does as much for him (them) as possible, but he still owns a registered vehicle and drives down to the RSL a few days aweek and we can not stop that.

A compulsory test would go a long way to removing the risky drivers from our roads. So, if it contributes to the saving of just one life, then it has my vote.

My comments are not intentionally targeting the more mature drivers, although that particullar age group has (sadly) been in the news abit lately, it is just that my own experience is with them.

One other plus to the idea (regular theory testing) is that maybe the wankers that drive around with "driving/fog" lights on will realise that it is infact illegal (in Qld anyway) now and has been since October 2009.

my 0.02c anyway

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Paul

REMLR 256 / MVCA VP / SLOw 4

2A W/Ss & GSs
S3 Workshop (M/V)
W/S trailer
48 P3 (type 2 vehicle)
84 RRC (D.D. & tow pony)

I think some ads on TV and in the rest of the media, set up as questions, could by used to as a means of getting people’s attention to existing road rules and when there are some changes.

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I personally think it should be part of the process to get the points back on your liscense.

you loose a point and you want it back you sit a driving test. And not just a simple road rules test and can you get round the carpark without hitting anything.

2 hours minimum of mixed driving done near dusk so you get to do both day and night driving.

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Dave

"In a Landrover the other vehicle is your crumple zone."

Fozzy, 2.25D SIII Ex DCA Ute
The midlife crisis car
Some D1

For spelling call Rogets, for mechanicing call me.

I think we should test p plate drivers again to get there full licence.

and i dont see it as a bad idea to be tested every five or ten years.

i understand your point of view pop058 but imagine how you would feel if he killed someone and he lived. sometimes it's a tough call. but he might understand if you talk to him about it in a adult way. as after all he is a adult with a fair bit of life experience to ponder

very tricky situation there

IMHO if every one drove to one basic rule it would cut the road toll by at least 50%, the rule is "due care and attention". If a dickbrain can get their licence by age 20 they will if still alive repass a test at 30 or 40.
cheers
blaze

Political suicide, ergo like speed limited cars it will never happen.

I just wonder what is is more danger on the road:

a) an old driver who drives @ 50kph from home to the shops or the club

or

b) young drivers who can past the test but have in the car heaps of gadgets and the mobile phone to keep them distracted?

Give me old drivers on the road instead of young drivers with cars loaded up with gadgets any time.

That is based in my experience as a motorcycle rider for many years.

Interestingly the ones I've observed cause a crash and drive on oblivious to the carnage they just caused are over 60s almost every time.

Nearly been cleaned up multiple times on the bike. Always by someone mid 40's and upwards.