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? 

[renegadefm]

THECORBYLOON, 

Not really because having to retest everyone the minute they hit the age of 60 would basically shut the country down.

It would just cause a massive meltdown. 

Lots of people actually take on delivery jobs in their late 50's early 60's hoping to take life a bit easier after spending most of their careers in labour intensive factories etc. 

[Smowball]

She can't even spell correctly lol!  'They're' instead of ' their' ! 

[THECORBYLOON]

"Not really because having to retest everyone the minute they hit the age of 60 would basically shut the country down."

Who suggested that?

It could be done any time within a period covering a year each side of the sixtieth birthday, for example.

 

[THECORBYLOON]

For HGV, bus or coach drivers, once they have a licence, to remain qualified, they must take thirty-five hour of Driver CPC training every five year to keep driving professionally.

 

 

[renegadefm]

THECORBYLOON, 

Yeah but if you fail either the theory or practice tests, it could drag out the problem for years. By which time your job is gone. 

My partner took 2 whole years to pass her practical, by which time her theory nearly had to be retaken, because if you don't pass your practice within 2 years of passing the theory you have to start all over again. 

Baring in mind theory tests didn't exist when I took my car test in 1986.

You have too look at the bigger picture and what chaos this would cause. 

[THECORBYLOON]

If someone fails either part of the test, does that not show that person is not at the required standard to be driving?

[renegadefm]

THECORBYLOON, 

You could argue that, but statistically someone whos been driving for years possibly decades doesn't need to re-learn how to drive compared to someone who's never driven.

Plus the theory test didn't exist when someone aged 60 plus passed their test, so to back up your argument it would mean re-testing anyone who passed before the theory test existed, which is probably half the country, and include me as I passed in 1986 way before the theory test came out, but does that make inadequate to drive?

I don't think including the theory test has made people better drivers anyway, I witness a lot more aggressive behaviour and rudeness on the roads these days, especially from younger drivers. 

So if re-testing all drivers who has only taken a practical test, what mayhem would that bring to the country? Its bad enough re-testing over 60's, or the theory over 60's need re-testing.

Personally I don't think its practical, and would bring the country to its knees. 

[DDIL]

How did your petition do?

[THECORBYLOON]

"but statistically someone whos been driving for years possibly decades doesn't need to re-learn how to drive compared to someone who's never driven."

Why the need then for five-yearly training for HGV, bus and coach drivers?

[renegadefm]

THECORBYLOON, 

Big difference between 5 yearly training, and having to actually be forced into retaking your test. 

If they made HGV and Bus drivers to retake their tests, it potentially bring the country to its knees. Theres no guarantee they will all pass, and imagine the backlog of test bookings it would bring, there is already a backlog now. 

My point earlier was the theory test wasn't introduced until the late 90's I think. Difficult for me to work out, but if you we're 17 just prior to the theory test coming out, that means every driver aged 25 or there abouts need to retake a test to meet todays standards. 

Again difficult for me to work out but that means every single driver aged roughly 25 in the entire country and over would need to take a retest. That has to be more than 70% of drivers in the UK would need a retest.

It would literally bring the country to its knees. 

Great way to cut back on traffic I suppose 🤔

[davebro3]

Not as comprhensive as the theory test but I seem to recall examiners did ask Highway Code based questions on test day.

[renegadefm]

Sorry worked that out wrong, its anyone aged roughly 40 plus would need a retest not 25.

But still a huge chunk of the country. 

[Canary42]

Yes, prior to the theory test the practical test eaminers did question the candidate on motoring law/highway code as part of the test.

[renegadefm]

davebro3, 

When I passed my test back in May 1986, the examiner and I just went out for roughly half hours drive, and returned to the test centre, and he asked me while still sat in the car just three highway code questions, and I actually thought I failed as I was so nervous I was shaking like a leaf, but he said I'm happy to tell you that you have passed. 

If I was nerd then imagine how bad I would be now? We had it easy really compared to how it is now.

My partner didn't pass her theory until the 2nd time, then took just weeks away from 2 years, only just before the theory ran out. Then you have to start all over again. 

Actually she said if I dont pass before the theory runs out, she would give up. 

[renegadefm]

Not sure how many drivers there are in the UK aged 40 and over, but I would say most drivers are actually aged 40 plus. 

A lot less would be aged 17 to 39. Especially as its more difficult to book and pass these days, so statistically based on all these factors, I would say if everyone we're made to retake their car test or HGV, Bus test, I haven't even included Motorcyclists. 

 

I would say its most of the country. 

What would that do? 

[jourdain2]

Well I wouldn't have a cat in hell's chance of passing today's theory test.  How come I am (so far) driving safely, no penalty points or accidents?

A stupid idea indeed.

[THECORBYLOON]

It's not going to happen anyway so I'd not get overly worried about the petition.

[renegadefm]

I just googled The driving theory test in the United Kingdom was introduced on July 1, 1996

So if you were 17 and passed just before July 96.

It means every single driver aged 45 plus has never passed a theory test. 

Still a huge amount of drivers isn't it? 

[renegadefm]

jourdain2, 

I agree, and I do sometimes wonder why they even invented the theory test. Was it to make more money, because I don't see an improved standard of driving today. If anything its worse.

When I passed my test in 1986 drivers were much better, friendly so to speak. 

I see a lot more road rage today. 

[Canary42]

I've just had an interesting experience.  I took the mock theory test on the DVLA website.  I scored 46 out of 50, and passed, well within the time limit.

Being multiple choice makes it easier of course although in some cases a bit trickier. And some topics I'm sure wouldn't have been addressed by examiners in pre-theory test days (e.g. recognising shock after an accident, use of ABS).

All academic for me of course since I'm permanently banned from driving after a mini-stroke impaired my vision (although, ironically, I can still pass the roadside sight test).

I recommend giving the mock test a try, it's quite comprehensive, and some of the 'wrong" choices are IMO a bit amusing (e.g. sounding your hooter at a flock of sheep).

On a couple I wanted to tick two answers, but not allowed of course.

One which I got wrong was accommodating a 5'4" junior 😀.

So go on, give it a whirl, even in fun (and you might even learn something).