Should a second driving test be required for people over 60 years old?

Rapid Fire

I am now 58. I am a much more responsible driver than I ever was at age 25 and I am also a more qualified driver than I was then. And for anyone to insinuate otherwise would be an insult considering all the various driving courses that I have attended over the years. These courses have included a variety of skid schools, advanced defencive driving and racing schools.
In my possession I currently have a 1958 Jaguar XK150, a street rodded 1965 Chevy p/up, and a 1968 BSA motorcycle. And I just sold my highly modified 1965 MGB roadster. These are all driven on a regular basis and I don't mean a quiet Sunday drive through the park. And I have the garage bills to prove it.
My driving record does not have a single infraction on it for the past 30 years and I recently passed a school bus driving and safety course.
I would be only too happy to take on any younger driver in the vehicle of his choice on a closed course. And I can guarantee you that I will not be the one spinning backwards off the course and if you do beat me it will only be because I pushed you across the finish line with my front bumper.

Paul Newman the actor was racing cars professionally at age 80.

kenbgray

I can't think of any.

Bob Marley

i dont personally believe that is necessary, however instead of just handing out disability licenses they should make a test for them. if you are too handicapped to walk to the grocery store how can you possibly be able to safely maneuver an automobile?

username

YES ABSOLUTELY!

after a while, people get sloppy with their driving, they forget stuff and sometimes they can just be plain stupid. If you take your driving test when you're 16, thats a HUGE gap in between where people aren't brushing up on their driving skills.

Plus lots of old people (not all, but lots) are poor drivers, for whatever reason (eyesight, hearing, reaction times are all going downhill) there were a few accidents in my town where old people have crashed into buildings because they pressed the gas instead of the brake....sloppy careless driving..

Sahara

Yes. It is about public safety and people not having the courage to take themselves off the road when they can no longer drive safely. Not everyone has children like my mom and her sisters who made the decision for my grandfather. It was not easy but they did it because it was the right thing to do. He started getting into minor fender benders which was very unlike him. My mom and her sisters knew it. They were able to help them out through a coordinated effort.

Absolutely - public safety first. We should have a better public transportation system to make it easier for people to maintain their independence and have less reliance on cars.

60 is old. Maybe the age should be 65 or 70. It will vary from person to person. It is a pain. But it's not about the person - it's about everyone else too. Maybe 75 should be the age.
Age doesn't discriminate. We all don't age at the same rate. We all don't live exactly the same way. Not everyone is responsible and conscientious enough to do what they should be doing.

Fred C

60 ISN'T OLD!
60 ISN'T ELDERLY!
Damn young people think as soon as their parents hit 60 they should just sit at and eat porridge! There are no good reasons for automatically testing at age 60, and when you reach that age, you will understand what I am saying.
Maybe a quick test at 70, but then I want a test at 18, 19, 20, and 21, and for unmarried guys, 22,23, and 24. They are the ones having the highest rate of insurance claims. Don't like that? Then stuff the test at 60 idea.
I am 61, and I wager there are few drivers under 25 better than me. I have 43 years experience, I have far more training than 90% of the drivers who aren't professional drivers, and I get full discount on my insurance because I have earned it.
And speaking of professional drivers, who do you think have great records? The 55 to 70 year olds, with years of experience and wisdom, and none of the reckless abandon that the "invincible" young generation has, has always had, and always will have. Unfortunately, the slightly better reflexes of the young don't mean as much as the knowledge gleaned from experience.

Kassy B

I do think think that a second driving test should be required for people over 60. It happens so often that and elderly person doesn't pay attention to their surroundings. They often times drive so below the speed limit that it is dangerous, and also it seems that many of them have problems staying in the middle of the lane.
I'm not trying to be rude at all, it is just a fact. The reflexes and reaction time of an elderly person are a lot slower, and it could really harm them and other drivers.
I do agree with the first answer, about the handicaps. I don't believe that it is right that someone can barely walk to their mailbox, but they can drive to the grocery store. Seems wrong to me and I think they should be tested twice as well.
This is a great question and the issue is something that really needs to be addressed in this country. It will prevent a lot of accidents and deaths.

cookie bear

I think yes if your 60 and been driving for over 40 years the signs and road have changed and more cars on the road and traffic is much fast

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