At what age should yearly retesting for a drivers license begin? Or should it?

1. 93

   peeplesposted 12 years ago

   At what age should yearly retesting for a drivers license begin? Or should it?
   
   While I was shopping in Target last week an elderly man drove through the front of the store. The same thing had happen in the next town over the day before. So is frequent retesting the only option? If so at what age do you think it should start, or should we leave them alone?

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2. 61

   R W Bobholzposted 12 years ago

   I've always wanted regular retesting every 3-5 years regardless of age, but that's just me. As the law stands right now, you can only lose your license if you commit some sort of violation, not before you commit that violation and there's no standards in place to check to make sure people are still competent to drive. Most people forget what they've learned over a course of time. The decay over 3 years is incredible, so that's why I support 3-5 year retesting.

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3. 60

   duffsmomposted 12 years ago

   I think frequent retesting would be a good idea after a certain age - what age I am not sure. My last license was renewed in 2011 and expires in 2019.  A lot can happen in that time to reduce one's faculties.
   
   I think an actual driving test would be prudent after the age of 65 or in special medical situations.  But then do we get into discrimination?  I don't know for sure.

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   JThomp42posted 12 years ago

   Hey peeples, I'm not being judgmental, but I agree there should be another test given when one reaches 65. The reason being is older drivers can be medicated, drowsy, can't pay attention like they used to. I just think it would be beneficial for all if another test was given. An impaired driver is an impaired driver no matter what the case. It is a danger for society as well as for the driver.

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   fpherj48posted 12 years ago

   Excellent question......I do have a definite opinion on this.   To be fair and sensible, I feel, based upon observation and statistics......a retest should be mandatory at 65....and every year thereafter.  In addition to this, if issues arise with an individual's vision, hearing and or agility and reflexes.....their Dr. and family, if necessary  should become alerted and cautious and take sensible action to request that the person be tested for ability to drive a motor vehicle...SAFELY and appropriately.
   I'm sure we ALL encounter these dear OLD men and women, behind the wheel....where they are put-putting along the road....their head barely above the steering wheel.....not stopping soon enough...or too soon......slamming on the brakes.....forgetting to signal.....enjoying the view and not looking at the road.....Arghhhhhhhhhh!!.   I feel like I should say a prayer for them...and everyone else on the road! 
   I had a frightening experience with an elderly man (in his 80's), who ...as it turned out...actually had a mini-stroke behind the wheel......and his foot laid on the accelerator......on a major highway.....he barely missed 3 cars.....and was only saved because he drove off the road and into a slight ditch that stopped the car.   He was dazed and confused and had no idea what had just happened....NO! we should not, just "leave them alone."

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6. 67

   ShootersCenterposted 12 years ago

   Young drivers in the 16-20 yr old range have the worst driving records, are we going to single out the elderly some whom have never had an accident. If you're going to retest one driver they all should be retested.

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      R W Bobholzposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      Agreed! That's why I like periodic testing accross the board. We notice the elderly because they reinforce a stereotype, but teens are worse than elderly, men are statistically worse than women (sorry guys, statistics don't lie), and everyone forgets

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   2. 93

      peeplesposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      According to the DMV here in USA teens and elderly are almost tied for fatal accidents.Which doesn't even take into account young drivers drive more than elderly Sounds like maybe all drivers under 21 and over 70ish need to be retested yearly to me.

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7. 90

   MizBejabbersposted 12 years ago

   Commenters keep mentioning vision problems in older people. My state "requires" an eye test upon issuance of the first drivers license, and each renewal thereafter, regardless of age. Therefore, I, as well as my son and my grandchildren take a state-issued eye test every four years.  I think this is a good thing because there is no age discrimination. Many young people are just as medicated for things like ADHD or other childhood ailments, or they are on illegal drugs or drink and drive. Why not test everybody? The answer to that is that it would cost too much money. Everything boils down to what it costs. I do think that everyone reaches a point that he or she should stop driving, and I plan to do that before my kids take my keys. I don't know what percentage of these drivers a test would detect, though.

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   dmvjaneposted 11 years ago

   I think retesting should be done across ages. However, there should be emphasis on old-age individuals since they are the ones who are prone to vision problems. Although the worst records are from young drivers, I think, it is a different issue that the government should address.

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