Should older drivers face regular competence tests above the age of 70?

[joeluke]

Surely the answer should be yes because peoples eyesight and reaction speeds deteriorate as they get older

http://www.telegraph....-drivers-over-70.html

[craft1948]

look jl it took me 3 goes to pass the first time.........

[ABerrant]

Why just pick on the over 70's?

There are many drivers of all ages who are non-competent, often brought about by a sense of entitlement.

[McMouse]

I would make a re-test mandatory for anyone found guilty of a moving traffic offence.

[LoftyLottie]

They have to sign a declaration that all is OK which has to be witnessed Steve. No test required.

Actually, I am of the opinion that tests should be taken more regularly by ALL agegroups! Eye tests should be compulsory every two years by all licence holders regardless of age and perhaps a written test every five years to update knowledge and an actual practical test every ten years.

[LoftyLottie]

Good idea McMouse. If people had to pay for a retest if they caused a moving accident then perhaps they would take more care.

[R1Geezer]

Yes I think some sort of compentency test is in order. Definately for over 70's but also for those who continually cause accidents whatever the age.

[jake-the-peg]

The overhead of retesting older drivers would be impractical especially with an older population.

However I think one of the major factors in competance issues with older drivers is failing eyesight.

This would be quite easy to do and to insist that drivers over 70 have an annual or bi-annual certificate from an optician that says they have good enough eyesight to continue to drive.

However It depends on what you are trying to achieve - this would probably help slightly with accident figures

I doubt the number of *fatal* accidents invoving the over 70s is anything near those for the under 25s

[olddutch]

NO - but your new avatar nearly scared me into a yes - I agree with Jake - and, without checking, would guess that the under 25s is were the real focus on serious accidents and road safety should be !

[Everhelpful]

I agree agree with jake,also.

[LoftyLottie]

True Jake, there might be some terrible elderly drivers out on the road who dither around but they are not the major cause of accidents - it's the under 25's. Let's face it insurance premiums are much lower for older drivers.

[jno]

Here's a research paper from 2007

http://www.dft.gov.uk.../trendsfatalcar76.pdf

(page 42:)

Of the drivers fatally injured, young male drivers are most at risk of death.
Compared with older drivers (30 years and over) they:
• choose higher speeds;
• deliberately drive more recklessly;
• are involved in more loss of control accidents;
• are more likely to cause a fatal accident than be innocently involved in one;
• are more likely to consume alcohol and drugs and then drive;
• have a lower seat-belt wearing rate;
• have a tendency to drive older cars; and
• are more likely to drive while unlicensed.

That seems right - the problem is young males rather than the elderly. However, eye tests would be no bad thing, as jake suggests.

[LoftyLottie]

Yep, let's ban all males from driving until they are 30 or make them drive Smart cars. However, young females seem to be just as agressive these days!!

[rov1200]

Why don't they just ban the over 70's from driving high powered cars and also the Chelsea tractors. If they were to damage anyone it should be to themselves that suffer most.

[jno]

because if they really want to prevent accidents it's the under-25s who need banning, not the over-70s.

[ummmm]

I think regular eye tests should be compulsory. My (almost) blind friend is still driving. He thinks it's ok because he only drives in daylight.

[sandyRoe]

I guess that young drivers are responsible for more fatal accidents than older ones.

[Davethedog]

I'm with McMouse.but after a one year ban. 2nd offense 10 year ban.

Driving whilst disqualified or not qualified 5 year ban.

No M.O.T car confiscated 5 year ban.

70 year olds are the least of our problems

[Davethedog]

I forgot no insurance - Ban for life

[anotheoldgit]

Drivers over 70 have to reapply for a driving licence ever 3 years, to apply for the licence they must meet the following requirments,

/// If you have for any reason been under the care of a doctor or consultant for reasons of ill health you must declare this to the DVLA (Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency). The DVLA can - if they feel there is need to do so - petition your doctor for information as to your health and if it is discovered that you have not declared any illness or condition which would prevent you from driving you licence can be revoked.///

/// It is expected that if you are suffering from ill health that you should surrender your licence if the condition either prevents or makes it difficult for you - and subsequently dangerous for you - to drive.///

/// You must include with your application a declaration of your health status and if you are unable to do so - as mentioned before - the DVLA (Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency) may request information about your health and are legally obliged to do this without informing you.///

How many 17 to 70year olds have to do this, to prove they are fit to drive?