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?

I think testing in general needs an overall, I think there should be a continued assessment with your driving instructor with areas such as driving during peak hours , during the dark ect compulsory. I don't think 40 mins of testing shows alot.

I accept my evidence is anecdotal however if you live as I do in a ‘retirement’ destination plus I also work in the elderly care sector it’s just a given. Many elderly people especially men really don’t want to not be able to drive so are very secretive about accidents and bumps but as someone said upthread in some carparks you are literally lucky to escape without someone knocking your bumper, scraping the side etc .

But why would they fail if they can drive well?
You could be sick that day. You could be nervous because your job and mortgage is on the line. The examiner could be in a bad mood or ridiculously pedantic. I once failed because I drove over a piece of paper on the road. Another time I failed because I took a wrong turn. Examiners fail you just because they feel like it.

But why would they fail if they can drive well?

For the same reason that anyone fails a test. Nerves, stress etc (and as @ClearMountain and @StCharlotte said knowing that your future financial security depends on it would add to that). So many 70+ year olds could fail even if day to day they are great drivers.

Not saying I know what the answer to this is though. Tests are stressful for many people of all ages.

This thread has turned out to be very apposite . Just drove into our local small town, approaching a T junction and without warning an elderly driver ( I got a good look as he drove past) pulled out turning left straight in front of a car coming up the hill . Car approaching him had to swerve and narrowly avoided the car in front of me which ended up in the verge . Needless to say elderly man drove off without a care , didn’t stop, probably didn’t even realise he nearly caused an accident. The junction is also close to a pelican crossing , thank goodness no one was waiting to cross or they could have been caught up .

After stopping to leave my details in case witnesses are needed I proceeded to the car park, which is unusually busy for Covid times . Watched elderly lady causing a problem because she had stalled halfway in and halfway out of space and couldn’t work out how to restart car . Eventually a man got out of his car and got into hers and parked it for her , not sure how advisable this is in Covid times .

Don’t know why I said ‘nearly caused an accident’ he did cause an accident.