Do you think that people 60 and over should re-take their driving tests?????

Question

Reason 4 asking...some speeding old fogey bumped into the back of my car a while ago, when i asked if he had insurance his reply was 'i assume so!?!' er....you either do or you dont mate! when i advised him to put his hazard lights on to prevent further accidents, he did not have a clue what i was talking about. i had to reach into his car and put them on for him as he dithered about.They seem to be the biggest menaces on the road...if i claimed for the accident my premium will shoot up! its only logical that the older genration re-take their tests at 60, as hearing, eyesight and reaction times deteriorate, and lets face it, i dont know any old folks that will pass that interactive theory test. If this retest was introduced this could reduce congestion on the roads and accidents all at one time...result!! (im not ageist,or trying to run older people off the road im against Anyone who cant drive having access to the road & potentially costing me money through their incompetence!)

Answer 1

In MY case, no, as I have superior skill and superb reflexes, and drive more safely than MOST people HALF my age.

All kidding aside, I would say yes, as most people over 60 are not able to react as quickly as younger folks.

The driving test should be yearly for them/us

Answer 2

I'm not ageist but I agree that everyone should retake a test, maybe from earlier than 60. At the end of the day, when they passed their tests there was none of this 'hazard perception' or 'theory test' mallarky, surely the drivers in the UK should all be at the same level? Yes the highway code has been around for a while, but there wasn't any tests to prove that the person understood it!

But yes, when people get older they do sometimes start to get issues with hearing and sight, nearly always with reaction times. I was almost swiped on an island yesterday by an elderly lady who could hardly see above her steering wheel. She was in the lane to turn left, I was next to her going straight on and she was actually going straight too. I had to accelerate as half way down my car, she started swerving into mine NOT IMPRESSED!! No excuse as the lanes were marked very clearly with great big white arrows on the road (you know the ones)!

I think everyone has had contact with the kamikazee oldies! Not all are liabilities, but the ones that are make up for those that aren't!

Answer 3

I think the road would be a safer place if everyone had to be tested every five years. The test should however include a medical component perhaps for those over 70 - I think 60 is too young most men do not retire until 65! The driver you spoke of sounded as if he should not be on the road but maybe he should never have been on the road in the first place! My neighbour aged 75 just passed the interactive theory test with 100 per correct score! More accidents are cause by very young drivers than older ones. Lot of pros and cons I guess I just think that no matter what our age we should be regularly assessed it would keep us all on our toes and hopefully make the roads a lot safer for EVERYONE.

Answer 4

Absolutely.

presumably they've been driving all their lives and would keep up with the differences in driving between 40 years ago and today, but the fact is that's just not often the case. Driving is so different and cars are so different from the 50s and 60s to today. There's actually people driving today who conceivably learned to drive in the 30s. Not only do they have to change with the new cars and driving conditions, but the people driving change too... Things start happening to people over 60... Every few years they should take a small test to continue driving... for eyesight, health, memory, hearing, awareness of surroundings... as well as the info about new cars and road laws.

Answer 5

I don`t think we can be specific about setting an age limit here. Rather perhaps a retest for everybody every 5 years or so. I have just hit 50 and I know that I am not as confident on the road as I used to be. However there are people in their 70s that are very confident and may well not need to retest yet.
My parents are in their mid 70s and my opinion is that neither of them should ever drive again. (they don`t have a computer either so they will never see this answer!) My dad`s driving is diabolical and my mother is a nervous wreck on the road, both could easily cause an accident.
I recently asked my mother what sort of gap I should leave between me and the vehicle in front (hoping for the 2 second rule to be the answer) She said quote " I leave enough space for a car to overtake me and slot in if necessary".-- Nothing about enough braking distance for the speed you are doing.

Answer 6

If your theory is right then how come is it that Insurance Companies charge younger drivers more for their insurance. Or are you going to say that they are wrong. They are the ones who have to do all the hard work sorting out the accidents, so they can't be wrong.They know the figures.

Experience is the deciding factor on whether a person has good driving skills. Not age.

As with everything else in life there are very skilfull drivers, and there are lousy ones.

Whilst on this subject if the younger drivers are so good why is it then that the age for learning to drive a car is going to be raised in the near future. I heard it was now going to be 21. How does that appeal. Well perhaps it will stop some of the boy racers who have been watching too much of Too Fast Too Furious.

If you don't want to pay out loads,( which you would,nt have to do if the elderly man hit you up the back), then I suggest that you do like me and protect your no claims bonus that way you don't have to pay anything other than your premium. But then perhaps it would be too expensive for you, as you may be a younger than 25 yrs of age driver!!!!!!! ( of course I am by no means ageist).

Answer 7

I think the attitude of some older drivers is as much of a problem as the way they drive. (Although 60 is a bit harsh for a re-test. Most men have another 5 years at work at that point. Maybe 70). They have an attitude of; they've been driving for longer and if they have gotten into an accident with you it must be your fault (as the first answerer encoutered). They drive sooooo slowly like it's always a better idea but if they're on a duel carriageway or motorway *shudder* they don't see what an obsticle their 25-30 miles an hour driving makes them.

And, why the cap???? You don't need a cap INSIDE the car little old man! LOL

Answer 8

Ok, no I don't think everyone 60 or over should have to resit their test. My father who is 84 this year is still a good driver, has been driving since the WWII and has no points on his licence and no accidents. He has taken his advanced driver test. There are many bad drivers out there from all age groups they tend to fall into two cattegories, the over confident who drive eratically and too fast and the under confident who drive too slowly and too tentatively. They are both as dangerous as each other. On the other hand everyone, yes even you, can have an accident, that's why it's called an accident and not a deliberate! It just takes a minor distraction or a split second of loss of concetration and, if the conditions are there, *bang*! It happens get used to it.

Answer 9

Yes. Because of slowed reaction time, and eyesight, they can be a big safety hazard to others on the road. They continue to drive, even if they know they shouldnt, because they feel if someone takes their license away, they are taking away their independence.Which i can understand, but they should definetly take the test, if they are 85 and can pass it, then hey theres no reason they shouldnt be able to drive.I almost smacked into an old couple on the freeway once, because i was going the posted speed and they were going 35 miles under.

Answer 10

You are really going to upset the oldies with this one.I agree to an extent ,I think perhaps 60 is a little too early, but certainly no-one over 70 should be on the road without some sort of test --practical and theory.Reactions do slow with age.I'm not ageist just aged.

Answer 11

Don't be daft, most serious road accidents are caused by people under the age of 30. Would you suggest that all under the age of 30 re-sit driving test annually to ensure they are capable of driving safely???. I am over 60 and have driven the length and breadth of this country for over 40 years without an accident.Get real man.