How would you feel if you had to retake your driving licence in full- when over 70?

knspol

I haven't driven much at all since DH retired as he always drives. Now he's ill and I'm doing more driving I find I have totally lost confidence especially if DH is with me when he turns me into a nervous wreck with his comments/criticisms/deep sighs! I would welcome some sort of test or compulsory refresher to give me a balanced view of my driving.

you could find a local instructor whom you feel comfortable with, and pay for a refresher course.
well worth the investment. would help your confidence.
suggest that you don't tell your husband, just do it.

Mind you I think foreign license holders should pass the theory and hazard before they trade in their license for a UK one.

I'd not pass the full test, including hazard and theory but I agree there should be a reduced test for older drivers MUST include an official eye test

I would like to think I would pass again at 65. One skill that has never left me and the best thing I ever did learning to drive at 19. I have always wanted to stay driving and to be independant from other half.

I am on an annual restricted licence & have been since developing Epilepsy several years ago. I have to now attend a medical at my GP Surgery & usually an Independent medical, all paid for by DVLA.

I am 65, I am probably safer to be on the road than many people, I drive reglularly both locally & long distances to visit my DM & friends.

At 70 an Eye test should be taken & a report from your GP. As it stands the person completing the renewal form just needs to tick boxes about health, how many answer truthfully or do not know their medical condition should be reported. I don't believe full test is required

EEJit

Our local council ran a Mileage for Life course aimed at drivers over 60. It consisted of 1 daycoassroom seseion covering changes in the law, new road signs, perception and other subjects, and a 1 hour driven session with a qualified instructor.

It wasn't a pass or fail session but did judge performance. I was lucky, I scored above average.

I found the discussion with the instructor very helpful, and intend to do the course again next year when I reach 70.

I’d love to do one of those plus a medical. Quite happy with that.

Maybe the way forward is a driving assessment. Up until a few years ago I was a volunteer minibus driver and had to hold a minibus drivers assessment certificate - MiDAS. I had to attend a course to learn things like minibus evacuation in case of fire or other emergency, safe operation of the tail lift, removing seats in order to clamp wheelchairs down and a whole host of other things and then I had to have my driving assessed whilst driving the minibus. It was very much like a driving test, but if you didn’t pass you still kept your license. The MiDAS certificate was renewed with an assessment course every four years. I’ve long thought that something similar should be in place for all motorists, not just those older ones amongst us.

For some to call this agism, and then turn around and blame young people….agism works both ways you know.

Laws like this are not personal attacks.

It’s to keep the majority safe.

Goodness.

I have no issue with this

I’d not be opposed to every 10 years from first being licensed either though.

If you don’t think you’d pass…you shouldn’t be driving.

I think compulsary eye tests for drivers of all ages.

Our local council ran a Mileage for Life course aimed at drivers over 60. It consisted of 1 daycoassroom seseion covering changes in the law, new road signs, perception and other subjects, and a 1 hour driven session with a qualified instructor.

It wasn't a pass or fail session but did judge performance. I was lucky, I scored above average.

I found the discussion with the instructor very helpful, and intend to do the course again next year when I reach 70.

I’m a far better driver than I was in 1970 when I passed my test. I think it’s an excellent idea.

I had to do an assessment last year with two strangers, in a strange car and in a strange town. Luckily they assured me that they were not trying to catch me out but to help. Thankfully I passed and got my license back

You do all realise that the government are most likely testing the waters with this thread?

rowanflower0

I had to take a driving test to get my license back after having a stroke, to prove I could pass the sight test, and drive an adapted car with one hand. It was not as scary as I thought.

Was it a full driving test on really fast roads etc?

I care more about public safety than I do about some theoretical idea of independence.

I had to take a driving test to get my license back after having a stroke, to prove I could pass the sight test, and drive an adapted car with one hand. It was not as scary as I thought.

I witnessed an older lady (80s?) crash her car in the car park of our local supermarket. I heard the sound of her car engine's high revs, as if her foot was on the accelerator instead of the brake, before the car struck two stationary vehicles. Apparently this sometimes happens when drivers change to automatic cars after a lifetime of driving manuals.

nannypiano

I was a self employed driving instructor for 45 years and didn't stop teaching until I was 70. So if I was called for a driving test I would love the experience.

lo al councils offer older person't driving assessments if you want to get one

I would be happy to do it. Makes sense

Elderly people rely on their cars in order to retain independence and not be a burden on others. I do understand peoples concerns though. I think people over 75 should have a medical examination performed by their own GP but paid for by the DVLA every 3 or 5 years.

I was a self employed driving instructor for 45 years and didn't stop teaching until I was 70. So if I was called for a driving test I would love the experience.

are you sure about this? No mention of it here www.gov.uk/exchange-foreign-driving-licence/y/yes/car-or-motorcycle/great-britain-or-northern-ireland

4allweknow

Why are insurance costs so high for young people? Oh yes, they have the most accidents not the over 70s. I know a young female 24 years old who will drive miles on minor roads to avoid joining a dual carriageway. Just doesn't feel confident. At least she recognises her weakness as should drivers of all ages.

I read that the biggest cause of accidents with older people is doing right hand turns, often because of pressure from other drivers to pull out sooner than they would normally do (due to being careful). DH, who is one of the safest drivers I’ve ever known (who happily drives on motorways and A roads at speed) will always turn left and go round the next roundabout if he thinks it’s a particularly dangerous junction.

PS I made the decision to live on the outskirts of a city , by the sea ....so nothing rural as then obviously I would need to drive ....best decision ever !