Isn't This Just A Stupid Idea

[renegadefm]

I was browsing the government petitions last night, and I stumbled apon one that I felt would just cause more harm than good. 

 

Its a petition to make drivers from the age of 60 retake their driving test. 

To start with what if your job is a driving job, delivery driver, or taxi, HGV. 

 

Plus theres people like me that a car is vital to get me to work. 

 

Taking a car test, or booking one isn't going to be a swift situation, and what if you don't pass either your theory or practical test straight away.

 

Imagine the disruption this would cause all over the country, it would shut the country down, forcing people to lose their jobs as they can't get to work. 

The age 60 typically means currently theres 7 more years to work, so personally whoever created this petition needs to concider all these things. 

 

I'm surprised the government didn't reject it altogether, but its become an active petition gaining a few signatures. 

 

Am I the only one who can see this is a stupid idea? 

[Canary42]

No, you're not the only one who finds it stupid - far better to make offender detection and bans considerably more draconian. At least that way drivers can control whether they retain their licences or not.

[Maydup]

Agree its a silly idea. 60 is the new 40 after all! And as you say, the waiting list for driving tests is already far too long.

[barry1010]

I've quoted the figures a few times before but in a nutshell it's impossible. There is already a long waiting time for driving tests and there are far, far more over 60s than learner drivers

[renegadefm]

Thank God I'm not alone. 😇

I can't even understand their logic, especially as its not a retirement age. 

 

Maybe 70 is more realistic, but even then it would bring its own negative implications. 

Like the newly retired couple who just bought a camper van and drives down to Cornwall for a break, we see them in their droves in summer time. So retaking your test could upset a lot of over 70's too. 

[bhg481]

No you're not; it's as stupid as restricting younger drivers from carrying passengers/driving at night etc unless they've proved themselves unsafe and then you really cane them. I tend to think that bringing in a wider use of short-term bans would be a good way of punishing idiot drivers. To many people the money doesn't matter (think footballers, pop stars etc) where a short-term ban (month) would affect all the same from an inconvenience/embarrassment point of view, so could be more effective.

[sddsddean]

It will never happen because

a) its impractical...there is already a massive waiting list for 'ordinary' tests.

b) it would be a massive vote loser for the incumbent government that introduced it.

Most people who think this might be a good idea are, I think, mainly worried about medical conditions affecting your driving. HGV and PSV drivers already have to have a medical every 5 years after the age of 45 and one every year after 65. This, of course, doesn't mean they are necessarily a competent driver, but what is the alternative? 

In theory, it seems a great idea, but is totally impractical and will never happen...at least in my lifetime!!

 

 

[renegadefm]

Someone called Megan Spear created the petition :

 

https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/702017

[albaqwerty]

It's a silly idea. I'm thinking the petition starter lost a loved one due to an over-60 driver, painful but not every over 60 can nor should be blamed.

[renegadefm]

albaqwerty, 

I agree, and I would say statistically 60 plus drivers would be more careful and abide speed limits compared to between the ages 17 to 30.

 

I will admit I went through the boy racer phase, but by 30 that was well behind me, especially when you start to have your own children. 

But like I was saying earlier I'm amazed the petition was activated at all. 

My Stop altering the clocks petition was thrown out altogether. 

[Old_Geezer]

"...as many road accidents involve an older driver."

 

Evidence that they are any worse than other age groups ?

 

I doubt losing voters will bother any political party that has already messed up their next election.

[renegadefm]

I tend to think older drivers are more careful and take less risks, especially as by the age of 60 they would have decades of experience. 

There is the odd exception of course, in fact I know a guy I used to work with didn't actually pass his car test until he was 56, as he used to get to work on a bicycle. But as he got older he felt the bicycle was getting hard work so bought his first car at 56. But I think that is rare. 

[davebro3]

There are already courses (with tests?) that some professional drivers have to take - delivery vans & bigger, public service vehicles. Not sure about taxis.

[bednobs]

in all honesty your petition was a stupid idea too

[davebro3]

//The report highlighted that drivers over the age of 60 as a group are safer than most other age groups. They are safer by far than drivers in their teens and twenties – eight per cent of drivers are over 70, yet they are involved in around four per cent of injury crashes.//

So there!

[DTCwordfan]

I think there should be a call for anybody, whatever age, if found 'guilty' for an accident should be retested.

[davebro3]

It's already got 26 signatures 🤣

[THECORBYLOON]

"To start with what if your job is a driving job, delivery driver, or taxi, HGV"

If employed in such a capacity, given the percentage of the day spent driving, would it not make sense to confirm the driving ability has not dropped below a safe standard?

[douglas9401]

Put the infrastructure in place then stop whining.

Sorted.

[Peter Pedant]

which report says less? ( accidents in over 70s)

You have to show that there are more accidetns in the over seventies ( I thought there were) - is 'shown'

and that testing of Olds ( possible) reduced the number of accidents ( not yet shown)

simples

[davebro3]

A useful incentive would be for insurers to offer meaningful discounts for drivers who take the Institute of Advanced motorists refresher course or the training & test for full membership of the IAM. Costs £80 & £200 respectively.