DVLA: Make all OAP's over 70 re-take their tests

[furry]

Apparently at the moment...OAP's amoung us (4 million of em) can just sign a piece of paper to say they are still able to drive...and thats it!

DVLA is looking at making them re-take their tests instead.

Finally is the DVLA doing something right??? Your views?


As I've said before...my own view is EVERYONE should re-do their tests every 5 yrs...then once they get to 65-70 and onwards it should be more like every 2 yrs.

Speed doesn't kill...Bad Riding/Driving does!

[CBR_LOVER]

.....interesting

[ZXR400Lee]

Retakes for over 70's is an amazing idea... the amount of old people you see about, turning without indicating, driving to slow (way below speed limit), or just completely no awareness of anything around them.

I think every 5 years for everyone to re-take there tests would be such a huge strain on the DVLA, its already hard enough with long enough waiting lists for a first time driver to take a test.

Lee

[clunk]

It was on TV about this last night, Tonight with Trevor McDonut.

They took 4 OAPs and made them resit a driving test, only 1 was good enough and he was the youngest at 74.

They had 2 cases where bikers had been hit by OAP, 1 was killed and the other is in a wheelchair, he's just got over 4 million in compensation. The one who killed the biker didn't even loose his license.

I was almost taken out by one last week. Coming out of the petrol station at Tesco, Lee Mill, I'm riding towards the car park exit. He was coming towards me and just turned right across the front of me
Luckily I had time to stop. He just carried on as if I wasn't there, which I probably wasn't from his perspective.

Should defo be retakes for over 70.

[Jon B]

Definately agree with this!

Furry don't agree with you that everyone must take a retake every 5 years. Like most people have said and agree, experience is best. Having to take a test of which most people don't drive/ride by test conditions after a week of riding, I know for sure I have dropped many lifesavers etc. It would just be pointless.

But I definately agree that over 70's must retake, some of those grannies are lethal.

[Jay]

that means Age will need a re-test soon pmsl

GRAMPS

[furry]

Jon B m8 you've not long past your test...and for a new rider...having to do the test and be on the road is a scary thing!

But now I've been riding a fair few yrs...It's easy to see it's education on the roads (lack of it) which makes life dangerous for all road users.

If I was offered the choice of more speed camaras OR regular testing every few yrs...I'd go for the testing every time...Would make the roads a safer place for all of us!

Anyway as I said...thats just my view...It's not me suggesting we need more things in place to take our freedom away from us or anything like that (For those on here who always jump on that bandwagon)...

But the fact I'd be happy to do it...to weed out the ones who are dangerous and shouldn't be allowed to drive (like with some OAP's) and others who just need a few pointers to get tham back on track

I'm sick and tired of this goverment and a stupid minority blabbing on about speed all the time and making all our lifes on the road more diffcult...when thats only a small part of the problem...all the accidents I've had...have been at slow speed...and all AVIODABLE...in my case all the mistakes were not mine...other road users who are lacking driving skills...but I've seen other bikers come off who only have themselves to blame.

If we can bring all road users to the same standard...including us bikers too...would make the roads a better place to be

RANT over

[Jak]

I think the most sensible option would be for the over-70s to have a physical exam every 5 years to ensure they are fit enough to drive ... including tests for eyesight, hearing, reactions, and probably understanding of road rules ... bit like a mini-MOT

[age]

that means Age will need a re-test soon pmsl

GRAMPS

hehehehehehehe



I feel more sorry for JAK

[frank]

I didnt see the program but I wouldnt find it surprising that out of 4 over-70's only one would pass. I bet you if you got 4 40 year olds and made them retake a test you would get similar results.
We all make mistakes of varying degrees and all accidents between cars and bikes don't always involve OAP drivers.
I don't think you should generalise all old people as being bad drivers as I am sure there are some very good older drivers on the road today.
A much better idea is that of Jaks whereby after a certain age you have to take a medical. That is already the case with LGV licenses. They only last until your 45th birthday and after that you have to have a medical every three years. Fail your medical and you lose your license!!

[mental]

If I was offered the choice of more speed camaras OR regular testing every few yrs...I'd go for the testing every time...Would make the roads a safer place for all of us!

I remember taking my test and that it only taught me how to pass the test.I think educating people properly is the answer ,but how?
Also I have had close calls with the younger drivers who have presumably not long past so how would re testing them help any of us

[1154macaw]

Clunk & CBR-Lover do you remeber last week we rode around Dartmoor ?
The chap on the 2004 R1 was 70+ and I think he almost stayed with you Clunk. I for one wouldn't like them to bring that in I know that I would fail, I also reckon most riders over 35 would fail as you get into bad habits but it don't mean you're not a safe rider. The test has changed so much over the last 15yrs we would be spending all our time learning and not riding that's my 2cents worth.
I think Volvo drivers in flat caps should take a retest though.
Keith

[RobG]

I dont agree that everyone should have to keep taking a test, because that only proves you are capable..on the day...of passing the test. I would prefer to see regular training like the CBT for cars and bikes. This is more about the real world riding and reminds you about safety.
How would insurance companies look at it as well?

[Tom L]

one in four OAP's passed the test, but one in four is the pass rate i think for driving tests anyway, so dosn't prove much. Driving tests are very picky, but they need to make sure everyone who first goes on the road is a very good driver. i imagine anyone would pick up bad habits on the road if your out there for long enough. I dont think people lose the ability to drive, just the physcial capability, thats dangerous, like not having good vision or reaction speeed. Oap drivers from what i've seen are a bit slower, but not bad or dangerous drivers

I reckon people who want 2 ton 4x4's to taxi about their kids should have to take Hgv licence, or somthing. They shouldn;t be allowed to bomb around in those things, they feel so safe they cant give a crap for anyone else on the road. I pulled up next to one at some traffic lights, couldn't even see the driver it was such a high car, how the feck are they supposed to see other bikers (thankfully you'd have to be deaf not to notice my tractor next to you )

[clunk]

Having read other peoples opinions I think a medical would be an easier to implement solution to the problem.

As Keith said, Mick on the R1 is a very fit and active 70 year old ( is he really that old ?) and I would think he would have no problems with a medical.

Not all OAPs are dangerous but there needs to be some way of monitoring peoples ability to drive as they get older.