Driving Tests every 25 years?

[Scrambledeggyegg]

I’m learning to drive right now... I’m in my mid 30s. I think everyone should have to retake their driving test every 25 years. To both raise revenue and get higher standards of driving. I feel if you have nothing to improve then nothing to worry about. If you’re good enough to pass the test you deserve to drive on the road. If not, then buses for you.

I passed once, first time. Now 11 years down the line, I have never had points or even a parking ticket. Don’t see why I or others similar should have to retest as you suggest.

The worst driving I've ever seen was in Italy. By a long shot.
So clearly the system there is not something to aspire to.
Not exaggerating, not a single car spotted without a large dent.

The internet is rubbish sometimes and AIBU is terribly snarky but genuinely I was impressed. Most people don't even read and just sign away!

Not sarcasm but me trying (and failing) to be humourous!

Exactly so in the case of the OP there would be a retest at 55 which should be fine and then nothing for the majority of years they would be on the road being absolutely lethal 🫣

That is just a medical test and eye test though. Not a driving test.

Driving test every 10 years and mandatory black boxes in all cars, so driving is monitored constantly. Would take a lot more admin though of course, but could be done. And stops people just behaving for a test then driving like a tit the rest of the time.

Imagine if road driving was subject to the same limits and scrutiny my job is. Riding assessment every six months, full theory test every three years, routine black box downloads, random drug & alcohol testing (with a much tighter threshold for failing), covert monitoring, various time limits to prevent fatigue...

The roads would certainly be a much safer place, people wouldn't dare drink and drive or use their phone.

I'm pleasantly surprised. Thanks again

Amazing, how great that would be. Having a job is in some ways a privilege, much in the way I think driving should be viewed. Reminds me of my experience in school teaching.

I really don’t get it when people write personal insults in response to things they don’t agree with. It seems a bit meaningless to me, and emotional.

I don't think it would improve standards to be honest. There will always be poor drivers/complete plonkers on the road. They could still pass a test and return to their old ways.

I passed 17 years ago now. I can honestly say I am a far better driver now than when I passed. Simply because I have built up experience driving almost every day and in many different situations. Of course I am also up to date with changes to rules/highway code- you don't drive round oblivious unless you are an idiot (see above!).

I don't think it's a bad idea as such to re-test, but I think what would make more of an immediate difference to driving standards are:

• more speed cameras and ANPR cameras
• many times more traffic police
• lowering the threshold for a licence to be removed
• increasing fines where applicable

Don't count on it. Grant Shapps says that driverless cars will be on British roads next year, which is a surefire way to tell that it won't happen. There have been a worrying number of fatalities, given that these vehicles are supposed to take the human error element out of the equation. Never mind that there are big differences between US and UK roads: I'd like to see the computer that can navigate all the way through my village without hitting anything, and the computer that knows when to back up or pull onto a side road/driveway in order to allow another vehicle to pass.

Some people just want to suck all the fun from driving

OK...who is going to police this? The police can barely cope with the illegal drivers now! I am only 35, I passed my test at 17 - with this new law I will need a retest in 8 years for absolutely no reason. If I decide to just carry on driving regardless due to my exemplary record who is going to stop me?!

I had the same idea when I was learning to drive, mainly because some of the things I believed were right (for example, not being allowed to cross your hands - you CAN!), were wrong. Things change all the time.

Now I’ve passed I definitely never want to take another test again!

However, I do think it would be worth having to undertake a theory test every ten years or so, to keep up with changes in the Highway Code and driving practices.

As PPs have mentioned, I think you should focus on passing your test first.

Pass rates are falling:
www.gov.uk/government/news/learner-drivers-urged-to-be-test-ready-as-pass-rate-falls

You can then come and lecture those of us who have held clean licences for decades!

Of course you can cross your hands. You can steer one handed, or with your fingers too but it doesn't mean it's the most efficient or safest way to steer a car.

The push/pull method is, by a long way, the most effective for road driving but often people don't do it properly, shuffle and then tire of it.

My wife crosses hands and I never say anything but it's an awfully awkward and ineffective way to turn a corner or roundabout. Very easy to come unstuck if something unexpected happens.

Yanbu. Except it should be every 5 years and then annually after the age of 70.

Well if you want to get rid of bad drivers, it might be best to start with those drivers who don’t have a valid license, or insurance, or mot, or road tax… once you’ve achieved that, then maybe a proper retest at 70/75.

You've not even passed your test yet...

The Italians aren't exactly famed for their careful driving though.

Being able to drive is a privilege and a responsibility. It's not a joyride. I love driving, but save the fun for the track and not the roads.

Good. You're sharing a public road with vulnerable users. If your idea of "fun" involves breaking road traffic laws designed to keep us all safe then I'd be very supportive of measures to improve enforcement.

Err no , come back in 25 years and tell us that
Meanwhile my 19 year old cannot get a test for love or moneh