I FULL support the proposition resulting from the Institute of Advanced Motorists poll that drivers over 70 years of age should re-sit a driving test every five years (“Call to make older drivers resit their test every five years”, The Herald, February 3). People's faculties unfortunately do decline with increasing years and only by a re-examination will older drivers who are fit to drive be separated from those who must regrettably lay down their keys.
However, I am also equally concerned that someone passing their test in their late teens should thereafter never have their driving skills re-examined. Many drivers pick up bad driving habits and if all drivers were made to re-sit a driving test every 10 years, they would be made to correct these bad behaviours and road accident rates would likely decline.
Such a scheme would be self-financing to the Government with test fees, currently £62, covering the cost of an hour-long test. There is no down side; bad drivers, be they young or old, would no longer be able to drive and thus no longer be a danger to other road users.
However, I am also equally concerned that someone passing their test in their late teens should thereafter never have their driving skills re-examined. Many drivers pick up bad driving habits and if all drivers were made to re-sit a driving test every 10 years, they would be made to correct these bad behaviours and road accident rates would likely decline.
Such a scheme would be self-financing to the Government with test fees, currently £62, covering the cost of an hour-long test. There is no down side; bad drivers, be they young or old, would no longer be able to drive and thus no longer be a danger to other road users.
No comments:
Post a Comment