Driving License Fiasco

[Tony]

Well listening to the news on the radio there during lunch would make you think so! So its fact, its harder to pass your test in some areas of Ireland than in others. Does that mean that fully licensed drivers say in Dublin are better then the equivalents in the west (supposedly the easiest place in Ireland to pass) ? Could it mean that some full time drivers around Ireland don’t deserve their full license at all? Anyone here actually taken their test recently (or even know someone who did), and how did you get on – Pass or Fail?

So where do us motorists go from here? Would you say that everyone needs to be re-tested on equal terms? Not that that would be possible with our system mind you ;)

[Spikey]

I said it before and I'll say it again. I think drivers should be made retake their test every 5 years.

The attitude of 'once I passed my test I can drive the way I want' is crazy. There is alot of full licensed holders who are terrible drivers. I think some of them can't even remember the rules of the road.

Driving test should be done in more detail. L plate drivers are not allowed on the Motorway but the day they pass their test a magic wand is waved and they are suppose to have the experience clocked up of how to drive on the damn thing. Sliproads, more lanes, faster speeds and the like.

Where not even tested in different conditions either. i.e. Snow, rain, fog etc. In otherwords if the tester is in a good mood and you have a good day, your going to pass unless your total crap at driving.

This dos'nt sound much like a good system to me. I can here the rumble from the full license holders already. Hold on lads, give me a headstart.

Spikey

[PaulKanters]

Personally I don't believe some areas are harder than others, I am just convinced that the people taking the test tend to be much more "unprepared" in the areas with a high fail rate. If I look at the area that I live in, the Gorey area, which has one of the worst records in Ireland, and if I look at the way some people prepare for their test, it's rediculous. Some people don't even bother taking a driving lesson from an experienced driving instructor because they are convinced they think they can hack it on their own by just trundling along and practice in the town...
And then they blame the testers for failing so many people!!

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Paul Kanters
Nothing beats Classic Motoring!
welcome.to/classiccarsireland (http://welcome.to/classiccarsireland)
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[Justin]

Personally and selfishly, I am quite against the idea of retaking the driving test which I passed 10 years ago. I am quite comfortable in my bad habits and I still use my indicators more often than the average BMW driver. Might I say also, in relation to those unfortunate young drivers who appear to be subjected to the rapaciousness of insurance companies who see fit to charge them exorbitant rates, with sympathy, TOUGH SH1T. All you have to do is get a bit older. Which would you rather be, 25 with insurance of £3000 on a Nissan Micra, or 35 with insurance of (say) £900 on an Impreza Turbo. Think about it and cease whining.

I have my licence and (particularly with the benefit of two thirds of a bottle of excellent New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc on board) find it hard to be moved excessively by the plight of those who are cursed with youth, provisional licences and high insurance. Is the driving test system the most pressing injustice in our society? Not to me. Please feel free to get steamed up about this, I will continue to explore the depths of my Sauvignon Blanc in sympathy :D

[This message has been edited by Justin (edited 11 May 2000).]

[WhipLash]

Did anyone see the program on ITV last night on the old age pensioner drivers? It was an eye opener, I can tell you. In the UK, once you reach the age of 70 (or was it 80?), only you can decide whether you are fit to continue driving or not. Your GP can recommend that you are tested, and only then can you loose your license. Even the police are powerless to do anything. One particular guy, who was the ripe old age of 95, was referred by his GP to be tested. He surprised them all by passing! He had been driving for over 60 years claim free.

They did however report on some horrific accidents / deaths that were caused by old drivers. When the drivers were asked what happened, they usually stated that they didn’t notice, or that the car bumped something, so the reversed and went to go forward again, and hence making the injuries worse.

So what about old drivers? Is there and age when an individual becomes a danger in a car? Should old people be re-tested for driving skills, and should they undergo physical examination like eye tests to make sure they’re fit enough? What about many of our old population who would be strangled without the use of a car? Should their license be taken off them to make our roads safer and leave them to their own devices, or do we feel sorry for them and allow them continue using their vehicle and be a danger to other motorists? IMHO, it’s a hard one to call.

[Joe]

My Grandad who is gone 80 or 81 has a car and is a leathal weapon every time he sits into it. He only got the licence when they were giving them away back in the sixties, so he never really knew how to drive properly in the 1st place. Of course, now that old age is creeping up, eyesight deteriorating, etc..., his driving skills have gotten worse :)
He never speeds obviously, but would regularly drive thru yield/stop signs without a thought!
Luckily he doesn't go far in it (back & forth to Mass) and my Gran keeps him in check. Still, they would be lost without the car all the same as they live miles out of the way.

[Astraman]

Well in my opinion anyone that hits 70 should be put off the road.It's about then that peoples physical health begins to deteriorate.Lets face it most old people are a danger on the roads.Their eyesight begins to get worse and they find it hard to concentrate + their reaction times are much slower.I also think that they would get on fine without a car regardless of where they are.For a start don't they have bus passes.Most old people don't drive and they seem to get on fine.That's what having famalies is about.You raise them and look after them so that when you get old they'll look after you.

[Joe]

Astraman,
Will you have the same opinion when you are 69? :D

[PaulKanters]

what good is a bus pass to you when you live out somewhere on a farm... The IRish public transport system is a JOKE!!!

that's said, there should definitely be some assesment being made for people over a certain age.
However, I think it would be unfair to let them sit a Test again, as I am absolutely confident that if You or ME would have to sit the test tomorrow, we would fail!!! even though we are supposed to be experienced drivers.

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Paul Kanters
Nothing beats Classic Motoring!
welcome.to/classiccarsireland (http://welcome.to/classiccarsireland)
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[Tony]

I would agree with Justin and Paul on this one. Why should we re-sit our driving test? I believe I'm a good and careful driver, speed a little maybe but that won't be detected in a test, will it? Maybe when the points system finally arrives here (will it ever?), then if a certain amount of points are clocked up within a year or two then yes, that driver deserves to undergo re-testing. That way it would mean that the careless drivers are re-educated - hopefully by then we'll also have a proper driving test system. Also I think that learner drivers who pass their test should have to endure a year of restricted driving - isn't that what the 'R' plate means in the UK?

As regards the older people who still have the courage to drive on our roads (and fair play to them), I think that physical examination of hearing and eyesight should be carried out on a yearly bases. Also one should ensure they have adequate corrective measures taken, like that their glasses are strong enough, hearing aid is working etc. They should be educated about new motoring enhancements, like motorways, major roundabouts with more than 1/2 lanes, etc. IMO, a 70 year old driver may be safer then a 20 year old. It all depends on the individual.