To think ROSPA should make it clear that Older Driver Assessments might result in a loss of license?

[sprucinitup]

An elderly relative was recently diagnosed with a medical condition which does not result in automatic loss of driving license, but nevertheless, his GP recommended that he undertake a free Older Driver Assessment, saying he thought it might be "helpful". He gave my relative a leaflet which also described the assessment as "helpful". My relative booked an assessment. It consisted of online cognitive tests and a practical driving assessment. At the end of this, my relative was told he was driving too hesitantly. But rather than offering the "re-training" mentioned in the leaflet, they removed his license.

He is understandably very upset about this, because he wasn't warned that loss of license was a potential outcome.

This is the website: https://www.olderdrivers.org.uk/driver-assessment/ . If there is info on there about loss of license then it must be well buried because I can't see it.

He is very responsible, and will of course accept the decision, but aibu to think that there should be a more transparent process, so that elderly folk don't feel tricked into giving up their license by stealth?

But no one is taking his licence? Whether or not he is capable of online testing. Do you think medical and cognitive issues SHOULDNT disqualify anyone from driving is that it? People whoudk be allowed to drive around until they themselves see the issue?

Dont put words in my mouth. Informed consent is what was missing here and its already been discussed on this thread that in no other context would this be ok

They’ve got the DfT logo on their website and they’re thanking them for financing it. I’d say that’s a connection of some sort. If you don’t agree, then fair enough. I’m not in the slightest bit interested in having a debate with you about it.

@LarryUnderwood Yeah I’d definitely agree with you that it’s worded in a way that’s very encouraging and framed as a ‘Let us help you’ approach.

But surely the fact that they don’t refer to what happens if you fail their assessments would raise some suspicions?

that's shocking, it literally makes it sound like it's just a helpful assessment to give you some tips. it definitely seems like they're taking older drivers off the road by stealth.

maybe the doctor actually did think it was a helpful referral, due to the nature of the information on the website.

Why would informed consent be a good idea in order to stop someone driving who is a danger on the roads? What would you suggest if they insist on carrying on driving?

This has already been explained upthread. So there is no need to do the usual make someone type something out several times which seems to be a popular tactic on here.

Nice try though

Irrelevant.

If he was safe to drive, he would still be doing so. That decision has most likely saved lives.

If they do make it clearer (and consequently the selfish don't take it anymore) I hope it is also made mandatory at a certain age.

A selfish elderly man who didn't feel like taking a bus, as that would be 'losing his independance', left my sister a widow, and two small boys without a father. My brother in law was a hero, pushing his own family out of the way of the oncoming car.

That selfish, irresponsible prick didn't even brake because the low January sun had almost completely hazed his vision up due to his cataracts.

My sister saw her husbands crushed head in her nightmares for years.

The FILs health condition is not one that is reportable to the DVLA

Yep and his GP realised that but also realised he was unfit to drive to took the only legal recourse he could.

Thats horrific Im so sorry. If made mandatory it should be for all age groups.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/czej326r75eo

I'm so sorry. These are exactly the things that happen and I swear I've seen people after an accident that caused real harm (because only reported if deaths usually) STILL raging that the game is up and they can't then keep driving after running someone over or driving into a front yard or front room

Why didnt he just phone the DVLA direct Surely they would take the word of a GP

Eyesight levels are for all age groups, medical conditions apply across all age groups, cognitive decline is a natural part of aging, it doesn't apply across all age groups. Age is a factor all its own.

It's why over 75s require licence renewal and why insurance is extortionate for teenagers. Age, experience and aging are all facts of life, why do you want to pretend they aren't?

I dont want to pretend anything FFS My DH quit driving and surrendered his licence just before his seventieth birthday. He had a heart attack when he was fifty six and afterwards the DVLA were informed and okayed him to carry on driving. He gave it up in early twenty twenty because the way others were driving were causing him stress and he was worried it would bring on another heart attack.

Because he can't report that someone 'has a non reportable condition but may not be suitable to drive' he'd have to refer to relevant specialists and it would take months if the guy doesn't inform them himself and ask for cognitive testing.

So how would you apply 'allowing for cognitive changes in aging extra checks must be required after 80' across all age groups exactly? When all the medical rules already apply to everyone?

I would really recommend not doing this OP.

Someone who assesses the ability of others to drive has said that your DFIL is no longer safe to drive.

It must be upsetting for him and he does seem to feel tricked into this situation but the fact remains that he is not safe to drive and could end up killing or seriously injuring other people.

I do agree with the other posters saying that either something pretty major has been omitted in the story when it was told to you or your DILS no longer have the cognition to understand and relay information accurately.

Whichever it is, the fact remains that a professional has seen something during the test which they think makes him unsafe. He isn’t going to keep his licence by causing a fuss over wording. If it did result in him keeping his licence, well. I’m not sure I could live with my conscience if I had assisted him with that result.

I do know of someone locally who did this only it was the wall of the house and his DW was between the car and the wall.

Sadly she died a few days later from her injuries.

I haven't had time today to read every comment. My point still stands. Anyone who's not fit to drive shouldn't be driving, whether they give informed consent or not.

If you look on the gov.uk website, you will see that drivers have a responsibility to ensure they are fit to drive. They should report certain conditions and, if they see a GP, the GP has a duty to inform DVLA of some things.

Your relative could try to reframe this in his own mind: not "I can't believe they took away my licence with underhand methods!" but instead "I'm glad they discovered my serious limitations before I hurt anyone - I should encourage everyone my age to do this assessment".

He obviously didn't realise that he shouldn't be driving, and now he knows, so really he should be grateful, not offended.

If you RTFT you’ll see the research on this online type of testing.
It discriminates against those who are not tech savvy and gives an advantage to those who are

Assuming someone is not fit to drive based on this online assessment is flawed. Equally assuming someone who is tech savvy is safe to drive because they pass is dangerous

Which makes it look even more like its targeting older drivers by stealth. I was going to be a bit facetious and ask if i as a non driver passed the online test could i then get behind the wheel? Obvs i know the answer to that but thats what you get when you flip reverse it.
I attempted to learn to drive when i was seventeen but i was so bloody nervous behind the wheel i knew that it wasnt for me.