Am I still fit to drive?

[upstart8s]

Hi, I have just been reading an item on bbc.co.uk about older drivers' fitness to drive.

I first passed my driving test in 1979, at the tender age of 17, after 10 1-hour lessons. Over the last 50 years, I have suffered one accident, where I failed to stop quickly enough and bumped the car in front (burst radiator). That was 8 years ago. I consider myself a competent driver, if a little aggressive. At my age (68) I have physical constraints (I am thinking about disposing of my SS1 because of the manual clutch), and I take several items of medication (both the Doc and pharmacist say I am OK). I had thought of not renewing my licence in a couple of years when my current license expires.

The item leads on to the suggestion that we may take a voluntary assessment (£55 for an hour).

Has anyone on the forum considered this question?

Has anyone had an assessment?

Stu

[upstart8s]

Me again, Just to confirm my sanity, it was 1967 when I passed my test!

Stu

[swoakes]

I admire your honesty in describing yourself as

if a little aggressive

[philhoward]

"Confident" was what I was told would be a more appropriate driving style

[peter freeman]

I am 70 and quite happy to drive for as long as possible. Interesting that the form you have to fill in to get your license renewed says you cannot use binocular devices to see - never thought of using a pair of telescopes instead of glasses myself. I have no objection to having a medical for renewal but think another driving test stupid. For a start they don't have the testers to do it and when I was learning to drive we were taught to use the gearbox and not rely on brakes. I was also taught to straight line bends - cuts down on the stress on the mechanicals and saves fuel. Would I now fail the test using the methods I was taught.

[greeny]

My dad's still driving his 1400 k series sabre and he is 71 he also tows a caravan with his freelander if you feel ok and no one else is concerned 're your driving carry on for as long as long as your happy to do so.

[philhoward]

I think the concern is over your reaction times and observation rather than your driving technique..

[chrisgallacher]

Hi, I have just been reading an item on bbc.co.uk about older drivers' fitness to drive.

I first passed my driving test in 1979, at the tender age of 17, after 10 1-hour lessons. Over the last 50 years, I have suffered one accident, where I failed to stop quickly enough and bumped the car in front (burst radiator). That was 8 years ago. I consider myself a competent driver, if a little aggressive. At my age (68) I have physical constraints (I am thinking about disposing of my SS1 because of the manual clutch), and I take several items of medication (both the Doc and pharmacist say I am OK). I had thought of not renewing my licence in a couple of years when my current license expires.

The item leads on to the suggestion that we may take a voluntary assessment (£55 for an hour).

Has anyone on the forum considered this question?

Has anyone had an assessment?

Stu

By my calculations you're 55

Edit: Oops, I should read the whole thread...

[scimjim]

surely the RoSPA advanced driver assesments have been doing the same thing for decades?

[Terry H]

Funny thing this popping up. I've just been talking to an 87 year old lady who was an advanced driver in her earlier years and over the last ten or so years she's lost her confidence. I suggested to her that she have a short refresher coarse with a reputable company and they will tell her whether she's capable or not. Bearing in mind learning to drive now is not like it was back in the 60's when you had to be able to do all manouvers not just one or two. I have to re-apply for mine in three years.
Regards Terry H
1185

[greeny]

Just another thought my father in law is 80 and still driving (although I don't think he should be!!!

[Alan SS1]

Just another thought my father in law is 80 and still driving (although I don't think he should be!!!

ditto

especially as he had a detached retina op a few weeks back so basically looking at the world through one eye!

SWAMBO went with him to last 'follow-up' and she was shocked at how far down the eye chart list he didn't get, and she says her eye-sight is iffy, must be cos she married me (actually so bad that it can be like the Spec Savers advert if we go swimming as leaves galsses in changing room

In all I guess there will come a time where the post 70 (or 75s) will have to do more than simply tick the box that says 'no new medical conditions' ?

I AM NOT suggesting that older folk are automatically barred, as long as folk know their limits? Mum will NOT drive in Aberdeen, but OK to potter about at home in Orkney as slower roads, less traffic, less frantic pace of life etc . .. . .

Have a look though at the case of the Glasgow bin lorry accident, clearly states on an HGV 'any medical' , allegedley he always ticked the 'no' box

[AnotherTim]

Me again, Just to confirm my sanity, it was 1967 when I passed my test!

Stu

I'm glad you declared that. I passed my test in 87... not too much later than 79, so I had to wonder ... if you're contemplating giving up your license, will I have to do the same in ten year's time???

[Datsundrew]

With driving tests it's an odd one, I've been driving 32 years and did my IAM test around 18 years ago, 2 years later I became a driving instructor and had to do the ADI test ( approved driving instruction) both extended tests, and both very different and I found a lot of conflict between the two tests. The conclusion I came to is that the standard driving test is aimed at idiots that have no capacity to actually think and make a decision based on observations, and if you dare stray from what is expected it doesn't go down well. And that ladies and gents, is why our roads are full of incompetent drivers who concentrate more on their in car entertainment and phones..

[Oldconn]

I took my test in 1963. I have been pondering this question of age/competence for a few years. Having recently done 2000kms in a week, in the GTE and pulling a trailer, followed by a couple of classic car hillclimb events, I'm quite happy that I am more competent than 50% of other drivers on the road at the moment. I am not being complacent , and I am aware that my reactions are nowhere near as quick as they were a few years ago, but I don't put myself in risky situations. I think situation awareness is a big factor in road safety. My biggest worry is the increasing possibilty that I could collapse at the wheel - but my neighbour who is only 55 has had two "strokes" and is still driving! I think he is more likely than me to cause an accident, and there's the rub! Should his doctor declare him unfit? Or should we introduce compulsary testing following certain medical problems? There would be a lot of resistance to that idea, statistics need to be studied, but it's my guess that health is more important than age.