Should over 70s be made to take a driving test? Options

[GMR]

Emma Soames, writing for Saga magazine (that represents the over 50s) believes that over 70s should retake their driving test.

Read the article below.

http://www.saga.co.uk/homeandlifestyle/peo...-test-at-70.asp

My view:

I am all for testing bad drivers; whatever their age. But focusing on the 70s or over is discrimination and the writer of the article should be careful. Emma Soames is supposed to speak for Saga, who represents people of a certain age. They shouldn’t be in the business of discriminating against those they stand for.

In the article Ms Soames says “I’ve changed my mind since a particularly po-faced edition of Traffic Cops featured footage of several quite serious incidents caused by the erratic driving of older people in Sussex – though it could have been anywhere.” Yippee, she saw a programme of bad drivers who happen to be old. I saw a programme of black drug dealers dealing to kids, does that mean those black dealers represent every black person? No and to suggest it is discrimination. And what she said is discrimination against people of a certain age. She should not be judging everybody by her narrow focused observations. It is offensive. There are some brilliant ‘older people’ who drive on our roads, as there are evil nasty young drivers out there.

There is also another problem with people who are no longer young, taking their driving test again. When I past my test in the 70s (i.e. 1970s) I told my driving instructor ‘Everything you taught me will go out of the window,’ in which he agreed with me. We become more skillful and judge things differently (compared to learning parrot fashion). That is why when they retest people many, many years later they fail. But they don’t fail because they are bad drivers; they fail because they are a different/ better drivers than when they first started out (naive even).

‘Older people’ have a lot of obstacle to contend with when they get older, what they don’t need is somebody who represents them also joining in to kick their legs out from under them. By all means attack and remove bad drivers – whoever they are – from our roads. But picking on good drivers because they are of a certain age is prejudice, bigotry, abusive and offensive to those that expected more from their representatives.

[dannyboy]

Driving test should be every three years for everyone.


Having said that, age does have a bearing on ones physical ability & being of sound eyesight & quick reactions is a pre-requisite for driving. So, yes I think the over 70s should be tested.

[GMR]

Driving test should be every three years for everyone.


Having said that, age does have a bearing on ones physical ability & being of sound eyesight & quick reactions is a pre-requisite for driving. So, yes I think the over 70s should be tested.

Yes, but that should apply to everybody. There are some very alert 70 year olds, whilst there are some very bad 25 year olds. We should punish the bad drivers, not the good ones; no matter how old they are.

[dannyboy]

Yes, but that should apply to everybody. There are some very alert 70 year olds, whilst there are some very bad 25 year olds. We should punish the bad drivers, not the good ones; no matter how old they are.

that happens already.

Fact is when you get old your body deteriorates. Testing divers of an age is about driving fitness - not compentence. You could be a very good driver, but is you can't see more than 100 yds....

[GMR]

that happens already.

Fact is when you get old your body deteriorates. Testing divers of an age is about driving fitness - not compentence. You could be a very good driver, but is you can't see more than 100 yds....

You don't have to be over 70 for your body or whatever to deteriorate. We should focus on the bad drivers, not penalise the good ones as well.

[dannyboy]

You don't have to be over 70 for your body or whatever to deteriorate. We should focus on the bad drivers, not penalise the good ones as well.

You mean test everyone say, every three years? Or wait until some old codger runs over a pedestrian & then test him?

Age, in this instance is a perfectly good benchmark.

[GMR]

You mean test everyone say, every three years? Or wait until some old codger runs over a pedestrian & then test him?

Age, in this instance is a perfectly good benchmark.

And what about the young one who runs over a 'pedestrian'? As I said; it won't work or make a difference. The amount of young people who have just passed their tests and then go out and either kill someone or cause a serious accident proves that.

[dannyboy]

And what about the young one who runs over a 'pedestrian'? As I said; it won't work or make a difference. The amount of young people who have just passed their tests and then go out and either kill someone or cause a serious accident proves that.

They might kill someone. But it won't be through bad eyesight.

Screening for potential problems, such as bad eyesight when in charge of a vehicle, is a good thing.

[GMR]

They might kill someone. But it won't be through bad eyesight.

Who said so?

Screening for potential problems, such as bad eyesight when in charge of a vehicle, is a good thing.

Agreed, but that applies to everybody.

[dannyboy]

Who said so?



Agreed, but that applies to everybody.

So you'd just not bother?

[GMR]

So you'd just not bother?

About what? if you are talking about eyesight then I agree. But that also applies to the young as well.

[dannyboy]

About what? if you are talking about eyesight then I agree. But that also applies to the young as well.

Great, then you no longer think that a three year driving test is just a moneymaking ploy. Glad we finally got there.
Wading through treacle springs to mind.

[GMR]

Great, then you no longer think that a three year driving test is just a moneymaking ploy. Glad we finally got there.
Wading through treacle springs to mind.

I didn't say that, but a driving test is not needed to find people with bad eyesight. And I still say it would be a money making exercise.

Wading through treacle springs to mind... but don't worry, I'll eventually get through to you.

[dannyboy]

I didn't say that, but a driving test is not needed to find people with bad eyesight. And I still say it would be a money making exercise.

Wading through treacle springs to mind... but don't worry, I'll eventually get through to you.

Are you suggesting we now start eye checks on those that don't drive? I thought this was about driving?

[GMR]

Are you suggesting we now start eye checks on those that don't drive? I thought this was about driving?

Are you having me on? it is about drivers and no, I didn't say or even suggest that we have eye tests for everybody (even though that is a good idea).

That phrase comes to mind: 'Wading through treacle'. But don't worry my friend, it takes all sorts to make this forum popular. I can't do it all on my own... every magician needs his stooge and i am pleased to welcome you on-board.

PS I hope you don't expect paying as well?

[dannyboy]

Are you having me on? it is about drivers and no, I didn't say or even suggest that we have eye tests for everybody (even though that is a good idea).

That phrase comes to mind: 'Wading through treacle'. But don't worry my friend, it takes all sorts to make this forum popular. I can't do it all on my own... every magician needs his stooge and i am pleased to welcome you on-board.

PS I hope you don't expect paying as well?

so, how o you propse peopel with health issues which may affect their driving be screened?

[GMR]

so, how o you propse peopel with health issues which may affect their driving be screened?

A driving test wouldn't work. However, their doctors could/ and should notify DVLC if any development materialises in their patient (who also drives) that would put them or somebody else at risk. Simples!!!

Don't thank me, just send a cheque to a nominated charity of my choice (i.e. PM me and I'll give you the details )

[dannyboy]

A driving test wouldn't work. However, their doctors could/ and should notify DVLC if any development materialises in their patient (who also drives) that would put them or somebody else at risk. Simples!!!

Don't thank me, just send a cheque to a nominated charity of my choice (i.e. PM me and I'll give you the details )

unworkable.

[GMR]

unworkable.

Which part? The cheque or the doctors? If the cheque then just give me your Access card