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10r0 Year Old Drivers

(42 Posts)
ginny Fri 15-Aug-14 08:08:58

Yes, he passed but I don't think I would want to get in a car with him at the wheel whatever his age. If that is the standard of driving to pass a test, no wonder the roads are dangerous.

vampirequeen Fri 15-Aug-14 07:42:14

Some of them were very good drivers but the others seemed to cross the centre white line on the road an awful lot.

I felt sorry for the lady who's family had taken away her car keys because she hadn't been able to force her way into the right hand lane on a very busy road so had driven to the next available turn off. I'm 55 and I've done that. Does that mean I shouldn't be allowed to drive? Surely she did the right thing. If she'd waited for someone to allow her in she would have blocked the lane she was in thereby causing an obstruction.

I admired the 93 year old who had the sense/guts to have his driving assessed. I was so pleased when he passed.

Nonu Thu 14-Aug-14 20:49:35

What about the insurance, how much does that cost?

No, I am afraid it does not amuse me one bit
and should NOT be allowed!

I will go one step further and say it is down right dangerous.

rosesarered Thu 14-Aug-14 20:23:57

I agree with you Nonu. 100 is way too old to be still driving.Reactions at that age [or even when you are 90 ]are slow. There is nothing to say that they are good drivers, as I doubt they ever even had to pass a test.I shall give up driving long before that sort of age 'if I'm spared' as they say.I do wonder if they will bring in some sort of rule for 80 years upwards, like re-taking a test?

mollie65 Thu 14-Aug-14 19:40:24

I watched some of the program but found it rather patronising to the 'real elderly'
with only 200 over 100 yo drivers to choose from they had to spin out the program by emphasising the problems.
at 67 myself - and having driven for many years with long commutes I admit I do not drive as much as I used to - too stressful with everyone in such a hurry, I drive an automatic (one less thing to worry about) and avoid busy times.
if I reached the point that some of these 100 year old drivers seem to have reached I would hope I would have enough intelligence to realise it was time to hang up my driving gloves (as it were).
insurance must be prohibitive at that age - taking a taxi or a train must surely be preferable/cheaper unless you are a real petrol head (some of the men seemed to be that way inclined)
there is however a big differance between a 70 year old driver and an over 90 yo driver - one is probably still very with it on the road and the other worries me. shock

Ivanova5 Thu 14-Aug-14 18:52:13

Surley it all depends on the individual? I have a friend who passed her test first time, and is an absolute menace. She has been since she was 18, she's 60 now. On the other had my neighbour of 80 is a brilliant driver. And - did anyone see the lady of 93 who took control of a Spitfire (plane) She certainly seemed in control enough!

Nonu Thu 14-Aug-14 18:14:16

I think the programme was made because of the rarity of 100 year old drivers , but come on, their reactions have by the very nature of the beast GOT to be slower.

They could if they so desired go on a motorway and could cause untold carnage.

Might have been a sweet amusing programme , but makes one think they could be amongst us !

Sorry I am NOT in favour of 100 year old drivers .

In fact I will go even further and it is absolutely ridiculous !

KatyK Thu 14-Aug-14 17:56:31

I loved it !

petallus Thu 14-Aug-14 17:42:26

www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2014/aug/14/100-year-old-drivers-tv-review

I hope the link works.

petallus Thu 14-Aug-14 17:35:12

I didn't see the program but read a comment about it in the Guardian today. Their TV critic seemed to think the drivers were a bunch of menaces!

J52 Thu 14-Aug-14 15:41:14

Watched on I player. I admire them and hope that I can continue my unblemished driving until 100+. It was interesting to hear that in proportion, under 25 s have more accidents than over 100s. Good on them! X

Aka Wed 13-Aug-14 23:30:30

I thought they were excellent role models. Respect

Deedaa Wed 13-Aug-14 23:10:06

When I was in my twentiess I sometimes saw a very elderly lady driving an enormous sports car, I Think it was an Austin Healey. It turned out she had been a famous racing driver in the thirties and could probably have driven most of the other drivers around into the ground!

Sugarpufffairy Wed 13-Aug-14 22:48:19

I was in a fast fix garage one day and there was a lady of 93 waiting for her car to be repaired. Her car came out first and a man and I were waiting for our respective cars watched as she drove away. She was an excellent driver. Absolutely perfect take off and entry on to a busy road. I dont think age has much to do with driving ability. My own father drive up to the age of 86 and was an excellent driver. He did not drive in the last few months because he could not move his legs well enough. He died aged 86 a few days before his 87 birthday.
I think experience, perception and safety are more important than age. I had a driving test virtual drive on my Laptop and my dad passed but I failed!
Sugarpufffairy

susieb755 Wed 13-Aug-14 21:51:04

Oh my word, but I guess killing yourself on a motorbike is better than some ways to go !

tcherry Wed 13-Aug-14 20:47:07

sorry Typo ... 100 year old drivers... is what I meant to type

tcherry Wed 13-Aug-14 20:46:14

ITV, on Telly now, watch it, it will make you feel very young!!

If you miss it you can possibly watch it on the net