To think that too many people are in denial that they should not drive?

I agree with some elderly people should not be driving. Every three years from 70, you get a form and tick boxes and boom get another license.

Many elderly people don’t understand that they have a problem.

Would you travel with him driving or would you let your DC get in the car with him?
If not, tell him. Get a dashcam so you can show him his driving. Don’t just rely on the GP as some are reluctant to report because they don’t see what the persons driving is like and some doddery old people are still very competent behind the wheel.

This. And the results notified to DVLA. And a sight test be mandatory after every road incident.

I agree that as people age and become more infirm they should no longer drive if unsafe to do so. However, I’m always concerned at the number of presumably child-bearing aged posters on here who post to recount a stupid error or accident while driving and confess that they’re anxious drivers and/or are scared or not confident when behind the wheel. I feel the driving test should require a higher standard of driving than it currently does. You can’t afford the ditsy/silly little me act when propelling a ton of metal.

I think once you reach a certain age you should have to do a yearly eye exam to read the number plate and a practical every few years

I don’t know about the practical, but I think everyone with a driving licence should have to have an eye exam at least every 2 years, or more frequently if the optician suggests.

I agree, a lot of people are suggesting better bus services would mean elderly people might be more willing to give up their driving licences, but I don't think those people would be willing or able to use buses. Aldi, all this extra testing being suggested. It would be a logistical and financial nightmare, far better that people choose to stop driving when they're no longer able, it needs to be discussed and publicised much more. I also agree that driverless cars will be a big help

I think once you reach a certain age you should have to do a yearly eye exam to read the number plate and a practical every few years. It’ll mean so many people losing their licence but it’s not a right. Taxi services will have to be better. Buses at a certain age still rely on a long walk to the bus stop and not really practical.

DOI I don’t have a licence currently for medical reasons and waiting for it to be returned and rightly so I don’t have it.

Just talking about this today. DH saw an ancient old man pulling into supermarket car park, drove on wrong side of road (in car park), and then parked badly across 2 spaces with no signalling. So dangerous.

My sisters, my dad and I were pleased when my mum just quietly quit during covid. At that point there wasn't a need as such, but there is now, and I'm glad none of us had to have the conversation.

Dad is ok at the moment, but that will be a bugger to deal with when the time comes.

@crazyBadger

Maybe report him to the police?

@Fairyliz

It's not always about the cost of a taxi, it's about availability. The fares are just 'not worth it' to taxi drivers who have to do it on the meter. It costs them more than they get.

The councils are to blame for this.

My mum collapsed and was told not to drive until medical investigations were completed. No cause was found but she was now unsteady on her feet, slow to react with poor eyesight. She claims that the neurologist at her final appointment said that she was safe to drive (this was despite me emailing the team to describe her symptoms in detail, as she obviously couldn’t say what had happened while she was barely conscious and because she downplays everything and always says she is fine. She also at times lacks the language skills to communicate effectively)
There is no way that you could watch her walk or chat to her without realising something is amiss. I told her that I would contact the DVLA and report her, plus the GMC and the health board to report the doctor. I had the consultant’s details because of the email correspondence so it wasn’t an idle threat. I’m actually not convinced that my mum didn’t make it up/ misremember/ misunderstand.
She complained a lot but after some harsh words she gave in. I do however think I could have been nicer about it, but I was sure that the doctor would say she couldn’t drive so I was a bit shocked.

You need to report him.

YANBU. I am hoping though, that technology will have advanced so much in the next 30-40 years that if I am incapable of driving, it won't be an issue because cars will drive themselves.

It's such a shame our public transport system is so shocking, certainly away from the main cities. If there was a feasible alternative, so people could feel that they aren't losing their independence, they would probably be more likely to accept their own failings. Maybe.

Each individual case is different. My Dad drove until he was in his 90s. He was fine, he was an engineer and realised he’d probably need a new car or a big MOT spend.

My friends father disinherited his daughter because she reported him to the DVLA. He was 83 , dementia symptoms and Mr Magoo sighted. His car had so many dinks from gateposts etc

.luckily her sibling reinstated the old will.

@Onomatofear

Then ask a friend to do it for you. report the 'man' and the plate. She can say he was doing xyz and it scared her, she thinks he probably is no longer fit to drive.

@Abitlosttoday I drive but often don't recognise people at a distance.

🤷🏻‍♀️

I wear glasses for driving, I can't wear them walking around.

My ex mil called me an idiot for contacting the DVLA (Drs order) to have my drivers licence revoked for medical reasons. At the time I was undergoing tests to see if the seizures I'd been having were epilepsy. Apparently one of her friends is epileptic and has regular seizures but thinks she's fine to drive so continues to do so. Thankfully mine weren't due to epilepsy but a reaction to the antidepressants I was taking at the time. My medication was changed and I was able to eventually get my license back. As annoying as it was at the time not being able to drive whenever I wanted. I would never have forgiven myself had I not gone to the Dr or told the DVLA and had continued to carrying on driving and seriously injured or killed someone. I definitely agree with drivers over a certain age having to re sit a driving test. If they tick the box that says they feel able to still drive then a regular test should be mandatory. I narrowly missed hitting an elderly driver side on who had missed a red traffic light and pulled straight out in front of me. Luckily I had just come through the green light on my side and was turning to round the corner so hadn't picked up speed and was able to stop in time. If I was coming in on the straight bit of road chances are I'd have gone straight into the side of her. She didn't even have a clue she'd driven through the red light and kept trying to drive forward into my car as I was trying to drive around her so I wasn't blocking road, and into the cars waiting on the opposite side of the road. I didn't have my phone at the time but I did see someone else note down her registration plate.

I support everyone being retested, both written and driving, every five years. There are so many, non elderly drivers who don't know the road rules. Driving is a privilege not a right and people need basic competency. If you don't think you could easily pass a regular written and driving test, should you really be on the road?

Yes but running a car, including service and insurance costs isn’t cheap either. If you start to use a taxi service they get to know you.
My sister and I had to speak to our mother about 10 years ago about driving. We were having lunch in a pub and she asked where the menu was. We told her it was on the blackboard on the wall. She said what blackboard!!

It's the freedom if being able to pick up your keys and go as you always have, the concept if being able to rather than the actual need to.

Calling a taxi isn't always that easy or cheap if you live rurally though.

People always say ‘loss of independence’ as the reason for not giving up driving but I don’t really get this.
All of the elderly people I know only drive about 20 miles per week. With the savings they would make giving up their car they could afford a taxi for every trip they make.
No one will be phoning them for a lift in an emergency will they.