Thread: Driver Testing

Hmmm I actually think that younger drivers are a lot more aware of what is going on outside of their car compared to old people that seem to be totally oblivious to anything that isn't directly in front of them - and occasionally not even that!

Regular driving tests are a good idea. I don't have the time, I don't want to spend the money and the RTA don't have the resources - In the good old days they couldn't keep up with licence renewals which were a 2 min process, let alone take everybody out for a driving test.

I had the unfortunate experience, of having to take the cars keys away from my late father. His doctor had requested that the family take the initiative, but it made the action no easier.

My dad had already plenty of warning that all was not well. He had several close shaves, and we had already discussed with him that he should give up driving.

It was a huge blow to his independance, and I don't believe he ever forgave us, even though within weeks he could barely walk let alone drive a car.

I agree with pop058. It is a difficult situation, and eventually we will all face the very action we are contemplating inflicting on others. I for one would never forgive myself or a relative, if a child ( or anyone for that matter ) was hurt or worse due to inaction.

I agree we need some type of test to assess a driver's capability as age takes it's toll. It should not be confined to an eye test, or a blood pressure test but as others have suggested, it should evaluate a drivers ability to control a vehicle in day to day traffic, including emergency situations.

I would think others have had similar experiences. I have lost count of the aged drivers in my circle, who have made the decision to give up driving, after a serious accident. Are we to wait for that final accident before taking the most responsible step of our driving careers ?

I don't see how testing will make any difference, how many people get into strife within a few years of getting their licence with all the testing that goes with it? IMO it should be a medical test if anything for the older folk - but with the way doctors cover their buts, this would also be unworkable. My gran got her licence pulled by her local doc - but she only ever went up to the pub to get smokes and her weekly bottle of sherry. Blind as a bat, but thats fair enough, she only did 30kph tops - country town, the locals gave her room. But as little kids are dumb it was goodby licence - fair enough too.

BTW - I paid $20 for an Indonesian bike licence, no testing - written or prac, just show them the money .

The task of convincing an aged loved one to hand in thier licence in not an easy one and as Admiral said, it changes the whole family dynamic at a time when they most need our help and affection. If the onus of licence removal was an official one as a result of failing a driving test, then the outcome would be the same and the family relationships could stay intact. In our (Nan & I) situation, it is vertually a daily task to check/manage/juggle transport issues so that we do the driving and as I said earlier, we don't win all the time.

At the other end of the scale, how do we stop or at least slow down the carnage that is killing our children. Testing every 5 years, test from L to P and P to Full licences are all good ideas. We just need someone in authority with the backbone and balls to do something about it. Yes it will need additional resources that will cost money, but what is it alternative costing us now.

another 0.02c makes my 0.04c now

Nothing speaks louder than the almighty dollar. Who gets cheaper/easier insurance, under 25s or 65 plus?

Originally Posted by V8Ian

Nothing speaks louder than the almighty dollar. Who gets cheaper/easier insurance, under 25s or 65 plus?

I don't think it is one or the other. We need a solution/s for both.

Originally Posted by pop058

I don't think it is one or the other. We need a solution/s for both.

We all get old some gracefully some not....I have attended many road accidents and the vast majority were caused by speed or tiredness by drivers of all ages.Why single out oldies most of us have the good sense to know when to pull the pin.
John.

Originally Posted by Disco44

We all get old some gracefully some not....I have attended many road accidents and the vast majority were caused by speed or tiredness by drivers of all ages.Why single out oldies most of us have the good sense to know when to pull the pin.
John.

I wasn't isolating one group or another. I did say we need answers for both age groups. It just happens that in my limited experience, most "oldies" don't have the good sense we would have hoped for.