At what age should a person loss their drivers licence? (page 2)

bull01lay

My wife and I have discussed similar topics to this frequently, and I agree with kwin's view "I support the manditory retesting of all drivers every 5 years"

Let's face it - you're in control of a potentially lethal device, and in my mind it would be comforting to think that people could handle it safely, regardless of age. Yeah - it would be stressful, an inconvenience, and costly.. but if it made you more aware and a safer driver, then it would be worth the cost IMO.

I often wonder if I'd pass again first time !

Bull!

blondie

I don't think age should be the determining criteria either, ozziepost. 70 isn't that old when a person is healthy. And as was pointed out the majority of accidents are caused by people between 18-24 who have good health but bad judgment and are inexperienced drivers.

I remember a show like Dateline who put a camera in a car with several groups of teenagers out driving in their cars and then reviewed them with the parents and children present. It was frightening to see the stoplights/signs they drove through, the near misses, and how inattentive they were looking at their friends rather than the road.

It is too simplistic to think that the situations that lead to the driving deaths of individuals starts at the age of 70. I do believe that family, friends and neighbors should turn in (anonymously) family members they know are a danger. Let the doctors make the determination. But remember, my experience is that these people can and have kept driving because they still have access to a car. These people do need to get places and alternatives should be provided. I think the state of Florida does that but some ignore this. Thus kicks in the need to feel independent.

Blondie (no easy answers)

under74

I know that there would be a lot of hollering about it here in the US but you know I think people that have received a number of tickets (not parking) should have to take the test over again.

Meant to add "too" at the end of the above sentence. Maybe others are right here stating that re-testing should be done every 5 years or so. I don't think seniors should be humiliated but I also think that everyone (not just seniors) should have to prove they are okay to drive.

ozziepost

I also think that everyone (not just seniors) should have to prove they are okay to drive

What? Everyone???? You're brave!

I can't see the politicians voting for that. It might be sensible, but not prudent politically.

Gill

It would probably be fair to retest all drivers regularly.

But you reminded me of my mother in law. She did not want her mother, who was 89 to keep driving because, she said 'she might hurt someone'. The old lady had NEVER had an accident and drove perfectly safely. The daughter reported her to the DVLA, saying her mother was getting on, and in her opinion, was an unsafe driver. The DVLA sent the old lady for checks and she was found to be perfectly safe.

However, the daughter who was 57, mistook accelerator for her break and drove through a petrol station, wrecking the car and the station!

That's why I'm a great believer in' what goes around, comes around'.

under74

What? Everyone???? You're brave!
I can't see the politicians voting for that. It might be sensible, but not prudent politically.

Not just politicians but the people they represent voting would never vote for that...but I think it's right. Afterall, I think that since over the past couple years since I've had to start using reading glasses I should have to re-take the test---mind you, I don't drive when my eyes get blurry--BUT STILL....all I have to do is re-new wthout testing, yet my eyesight has changed.

mouthy

I am still driving ( Just came back fro Niagara Falls 2 hours away)I am 78 as you all know.. All the folks in here are tested at 80 & then every year !!! two in here are still driving they are 92 ---- They are as smart as a whip- they can remember names dates & place I have forgotton....

coffee_black

My aunt is 83 and drives perfectly...she also works full time, and is more with it than most people in their 60s. I think it varies from person to person....but since you have to be fair, I think at 65 or so there should be testing....and when it's time to renew the license they should be tested. each time...and the license should have to be renewed more often with each passing decade, until one reaches their 80s, and then it should be every year. I know that's stressful for an elderly person, but driving is a priviledge, not a right, and there have to be standards. Public safety has to be considered.

Coffee

jgnat

The Canadian Western Finals Rodeo is in town, and the transit system is full of old cowboys. These guys are good-humored, lean, strong, sharp, and with-it. As others have said so well before me, age is not the deciding factor but relative health.

I'd agree to yearly testing after seventy.

Undecided

I don't think age should be the determining factor. One's physical and mental condition should be what determines your license to drive. I'm 70 and my brother is 72 and we drive fine. You have to keep your eyes and mind on the road and your hands off the telephone. I can tell a little difference in my driving, I'm more cautious when backing up and driving through a parking lot. I see young people going too fast through those places. I've never had an acident in 54 years of driving that was my fault, I've had a couple of fender benders when someone hit my car. I'll quit driving when I see myself losing my driving skills.

The only thing that is not as good as when I was young is my night vision. It's not dangerous yet, but I am keeping watch on it and will not drive at night if it becomes dangerous.

Ken P.

At what age should a person loss their drivers licence?

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