SA ceases age-related driving tests

rockylizard · Guru

SA ceases age-related driving tests

oldbobsbus · Guru

rockylizard wrote:
Gday...
A step forward?
Cheers - John

Dunno!!!!!

In NSW the age is 75... I have just had to go through it to retain my HR licence and while I had no problems passing I know of others younger than me that are a menace on the road and should no longer hold a licence..
I also think that doing a driving test to establish if they are still able to control a vehicle and act responsibly behind the wheel should also me mandatory after 70..
We has a silly old fool pull up in the middle of the very busy 100kph road outside here and ask for directions he didn't make any attempt to move his car even when cars were coming to a screaming halt in both directions..

Grams · Guru

The medicate fitness to drive tests are a joke. My father is still passing his, by his idiot GP who ticks all the boxes without him examining my father.

But I think mandatory driving tests should be given yearly after age 70, this I think is crucial and could be life saving.

Grams

Golddetectornomad · Senior Member

I'll willingly go to sleep in the back of a vehicle driven by a 72 year old than a 22 year old any day of the week and twice on Sundays.....no question....I hear the 20 year olds roaring past me at 80/90 right now in this 60kh zone as I write...I bet I could wait a while before a 72 year old went roaring past....re-test the youngsters before the older IMO......and I am not a youth basher, it's a fact....and they have more accidents per grouping age...but when an older driver drives into a shop window it makes headlines...when a younger driver does it is no longer news because its expected with the manner in which they drive....Hoo Roo

-- Edited by Golddetectornomad on Tuesday 24th of December 2013 10:34:32 AM

Roving-Dutchy · Guru

What is the big deal about a driving test in NSW once you are 85. If you can no longer pass the test, it is best that you are no longer on the road as you are a danger to your passengers and others on the road.
I am now 75 and must undergo an annual medical and I hope my GP will refuse to pass me if I am no longer medically competent to drive, if I didn't trust my GP to do this for me I would find another GP to look after my health.
Cheers
David

oldbobsbus · Guru

Grams wrote:
The medicate fitness to drive tests are a joke. My father is still passing his, by his idiot GP who ticks all the boxes without him examining my father.

But I think mandatory driving tests should be given yearly after age 70, this I think is crucial and could be life saving.

Grams

So long as they are free smile

Cloak · Guru

I gave up my pilots licence because I felt uncomfortable with my own limitations and will do the same with driving.

cheers

johnq · Guru

Regulations should be evidence based and not rely on emotion, particularly where prejudice is known to apply, such as the ageism that is apparent in Australia (disagree? OK, then compare with the attitude to the aged in Japan).

Here is the evidence, based on numbers,

Minister for Health and Ageing Jack Snelling says South Australia's crash rate is similar to Victoria's, where there is no age-based testing.

"There's nothing to suggest this annual compulsory testing really does anything to reduce the incidence of road accidents," he said.

Mr Snelling thinks some older people have stopped driving because of the burden of being tested.

"Age-based testing has ... been found to prompt some older drivers to cease driving, which in turn reduces their social interaction and engagement in the community," he said.

GaryKelly · Guru

No amount of medical fitness testing will solve or eliminate foolish behavior. The "fool" bobsoldbus mentioned could be as fit as a fiddle.

peterblack · Senior Member

the license system is a joke
u get a license then do as u want
why a test at age???
I have seen people of all ages do funny things.me included
funny to read that there is all good drivers on this article
but have u seen yourself drive
u will get a shock I think
enjoy life pete

Tomzys · Senior Member

If we all have good close relationships with our GPs they know when our time is coming to an end with driving, whether its age related or medical related. Had this discussion with Medic friends, and like they said , they advise their clients when its time to give up driving, as there is not 2 people the same, and most elderly will take notice of their advice. We also need to be independent for as long as possible, just the same we like to stay in our homes for as long as possible.
GOOD ON SOUTH AUSTRALIA.

BruDi · Senior Member

I live in SA and I'm delighted that this is about to become the law here. People of 70 are not fossils. I know many 70+ year olds who are fit, alert, healthy and sharp. In fact I know people in their 90's who are still like this.

Di

Hylda&Jon · Guru

I may give up my marriage license when I'm too old to win an argument with my wife. Though I bet I'll still be capable of driving her mad even without the license.

Sorry folks, I think Hylda put too much brandy & sherry in the trifle...Hic!

-- Edited by Hylda&Jon on Thursday 26th of December 2013 11:33:35 PM

Knowledge speaks, but wisdom listens.