To think older drivers should be re-tested

[katedan]

I have just read a SM discussion about older ( 70+) drivers and if they should be retested or have medicals to keep their drivers licences. It got quite confrontational on the discussion as those who were older felt it was unfair to generalise. This is an issue close to my heart as my dad now early 80s does not understand the risks associated with age around slower reflexes and impact of impaired memory on driving. Surely most people over 70 will consider themselves still as sharp as before and sadly people with dementia etc are not aware it is happening as it is the people around them that notice first so compulsory medicals and re testingg every 5 years over 70 would ensure drivers on the road were still safe to themselves and others. So AiBU?

Why just 70+

I think we should be tested every 5-10 years form when we pass.

I agree that there's plenty of drivers under 70 who could do with a refresh/retesting.

Also agree with PP. There is some absolutely shocking driving out there amongst all age groups.

I think everyone should retest every 15 ish years, going down to 5 after 60.

FIL is a terrifying driver and would never even pass a theory test, never mind the practical.

Everyone at least every ten years, and a separate category of licence for Chelsea Tractors. If you want to drive a Range Rover, take your test in one.

I passed my test in the 80s. Having taken both my teens out for driving practice things have changed considerably with how I was taught compared to now. i could probably do with a refresher myself!

@katedan

I kind of agree, and I feel a bit bad for agreeing because it seems rude and ageist. However, it is true that your reactions get slower as you get older, and I have experienced quite a few dangerous older drivers. Driving down the motorway backwards/the wrong way driving around traffic islands the wrong way, and pulling out in front of traffic. 3 or 4 people over 70 I know should not be driving.

However, some younger and middle aged people are not brilliant drivers, so I think everyone really should be re-tested every 5 years (every 3 after 70.) Not a hugely strict test, but just to show/prove you are still reasonably safe and competent.

Testing everyone doesn't seem a bad idea. Shame it's so expensive though.
I'd dearly love my DM to be tested. She's careful about not driving at night, and only on familiar roads, but I do think she's past it now.

@00100001

Why just 70+

I think we should be tested every 5-10 years form when we pass.

They'd need to change the system to enable this. There simple isn't the capacity to test every drive so often. Even before covid there was a wait for driving tests. No way could they manage retesting so many people so often.

Following covid the wait is massive, and not even restarted yet in all but very restricted cases. DD's first test was cancelled a year ago, her second was cancelled due to the examiner having covid and she's been unable to have any refresher lessons or to book another.

I'd like to see an upgraded system altogether with a continual assessment type test and number of hours behind the wheel, etc. This could then have a built in system for regular checks after x years, though we'd still need more instructors around. Examiners would become a different job too as they'd be more doing spot checks of instructors and sitting in on random lessons, etc. rather than holding tests.

I know of a few people still working and driving to their jobs (one that drives for his job). Failing a retest although ensuring safety would be a catastrophe for them.

I agree with retesting for everyone. It would probably be difficult to start with in terms of having to increase capacity for testing, but it's no bad thing. If it was for everybody it wouldn't stigmatise older drivers while still keeping a check on their capabilities.

I'd actually quite like to do a speed awareness course that people do if they're caught speeding if they were available for anyone. I took my test before the theory test came in so I've never done that either.

I think anyone who gets fined, sanctioned or sentenced for a car offence should have to retake their test, theory and practical.

My Mam did some additional driving lessons after various family members decided she was too old to be driving

The instructor was quite happy with her driving , she just doesn't drive those people any more

I think other people were stressing her out telling her what to do etc rather than letting her get on with it

My dmil is late 70s and I know she worries every time she gets her eyes tested that they'll tell her she can't drive anymore. Although she's said she would stop if told to and I believe her.

I don't blame her for worrying about it as she lives in a small village with infrequent buses, 40 minutes from her nearest relative. It would totally change her life not to drive.

I've told DH when we retire we are moving to a large town with plenty of GPs, hospital, cinema, cafes, shops, train station, all within walking distance. So many older people prefer quiet villages but it think they must be isolating. Better to keep fit walking to places when you can.

YES - my 89 year old Grandad with horrible eyesight and dementia was still driving until three months ago when we physically removed the car from the property. In his disabled badge photo he has his eyes closed and mouth open...honestly

We no longer let in laws take our dc out in their car.
Sad but mil is nearly 80 and has had laser eye surgery and still can't see. She's extremely forgetful now aswel.
And fil is late 80s and has managed to pop his tyre three times in as many weeks because he bounces off the curbs 😱

However I e also witnessed some horrendous driving skills (or not) from younger drivers.

With the older drivers I notice they are sticklers for the speed limits etc but have much slower reactions and eye sight is an issue

With younger drivers I tend to witness it's more irrational driving so rushing around and not really considering others.

I would be happy to take some kind of skills and knowledge test every few years and as a poster above says things have changed a lot on the roads over the years so naturally the older drivers are the ones with less of the new skills
Or knowledge

It doesn't matter what anyone 'thinks'. Decisions should be made on statistics and statistically it is NOT that age group causing accidents.

I absolutely agree. I know that every age group has poor drivers but there are some older drivers who absolutely should not be on the road.

My neighbour is 90 and falls into this category he absolutely wont stop driving unless someone physically takes his licence and he wouldn't ever consider surrendering it voluntarily because he's both too stubborn about his independence and he honestly doesn't think he's a danger

Funny how people over 60 are considered capable of working until they're 67 but not capable of driving to said employment.
I think rather than taking a test most people would benefit from 2 refresher lessons every five years with a recommendation where necessary of giving up driving.

If I had to take another test I'd be sick with nerves but I know I'm a much better driver now than I was in my twenties. I'm early 60's.

My df was a terrible driver all his life.
Dfil who was a lorry driver by profession was a brilliant driver at 80.

A man in his 70s ploughed through a red traffic light crossing a few years back near where I live. He had not even seen the lights change and did not apply his breaks, he only stopped when flagged down by another driver. He had been told by his Optician that he must not drive due to his deteriorating eye sight. He killed a 3 year old and left her mother with life changing injuries.

I am a community nurse and have also reported a few elderly gentleman who I know have been advised by their GP to stop (one had dementia).

I absolutely think we should be retested later in life and I think certain professions should have the power to ban drivers for medical reasons. The man went to prison and a family were destroyed by the loss of their child.

My DH passed his test when he was 17. He is now 68. The changes in traffic since then are phenomenal.
If retests were introduced some form of preparatory lessons would be needed so I can't see it happening yet. There is a huge backlog of people waiting for tests because of lockdown, and those driving instructors whose businesses survived Covid will be very busy for quite some time.
I am not against retests, although 75 might be a better age, but can't see it happening for the foreseeable future.

How many people are killed and injured every year by drivers under 70?

You have to assert when over 70 that your eyesight is suitable for driving - if it isn't and you have an accident you are resonsible.
Also Doctors inform DVLA of dementia diagnoses and parkinsons.
How good is your DF's health?
If you have genuine concerns you could perhaps speak to his GP.

Just requiring theory tests redone would be much cheaper to administer and, I think, would be a lot better than nothing. It would give anyone who feels a bit borderline a little push to reconsider without too much pressure.

I think anything would have to apply at all ages, not just 70+, but perhaps more often for the elderly.

@00100001

Why just 70+

I think we should be tested every 5-10 years form when we pass.

I agree. A re test for everyone every 5-10 years would be more useful.