General Chat

Until 2 years ago we lived in a rural area. Nearest shop, a small village general store, was well over a mile away, as was the bus stop for the very infrequent buses. Nearest station was 12 miles away. Taxis were very expensive because they had to come out from the nearest town. Anyone living there and unable to drive was effectively housebound.

Thinking ahead to a time when it might be unwise for us to continue driving, we made the decision to move into town where we would have access to public transport, shops, doctors etc. But it was not an easy decision to make and, while it might be foolish, I can understand why someone in that position might continue driving past their use-by date.

I think more people would give up their cars if access to public transport could be improved, particularly in rural areas.

and this arrogant unfit driver agrees with you :-D :-D

I feel just declaring yourself fit as at present is nonsense. I would be perfectly happy to have my driving assessed to see if I am aware of what is going on around me and I have full control of the vehicle.

Not a resit of the test though. Being failed because after driving for 40 years or more I crossed my hands over, couldn't come up with how many meters some twit in the DVLC came up with years ago for Austin 7's,or hooked an arm around the back of the passenger seat to look behind while reversing!

Just a sensible assessment of ability to proceed safely. :-D

Good luck to him Shirley

We have a neighbour in his nineties who was still driving . Due to some health issues his licence was not renewed by the DVLA and he was told to reapply after a year

He had to take a driving assestment again and his license was restored. He drove until last year and then voluntarily decided not to renew . Ha s sold his car and now bombs around on a huge mobility scooter with license plate of Grandad 1 on it !!!

He is now 95 and still going strong

Ah, thanks, Bob. I'm not a driver but has seen those stickers, so thought they applied to all.

I seem to remember reading that the speed limit is a maximum and not a target and that people should drive for the conditions.

"Someone doing 30 in a 50 zone is either arrogant or unfit to drive"

REALLY I don't feel safe going 100 in a 100 kph zone as long as you stay on the far right side all the people who want to go 110 they can zoom past you on the left.

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As of September 1, 2015 the fines and penalties for distracted driving will increase.

•a fine of $400, plus a victim surcharge and court fee, for a total of $490 if settled out of court
•fine of up to $1,000 if you receive a summons or fight your ticket
•three demerit points applied to your driver’s record
NOT THAT THAT IS GOING TO HELP, PEOPLE LOOOVE THEIR CELL PHOHES AND CAN'T LIVE WITHOUT THEM and if it rings and they don't answer it, god it must be the end of the world for them. OHH OHH I just thought of a great punishment, every time their cell phone rings and they answer(while driving) give them a electrical shock
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Yes I know I'm just a poor Canadian who doesn't know any better but I am not GOING TO DRIVE OUTSIDE OF MY SAFTEY ZONE NO MATTER WHAT THE SPEED LIMIT SAYS :-P

Here where I live after 70 you have to have a medical at the doctors
to deem if you are fit enough to drive and then every 2 years after.
Happy to report I have just passed mine whoo hoo :-D

Hello I have been driving 51years & it doesn't matter how old you are as long as you are a good driver .us oldies I believe are aware more of what`s going on around us .not just Tunnel vision as a lot of drivers seem to have these days ..if at any time I felt it was wrong to be behind a wheel .would give my licence up .but I love driving & not ready just yet .believe a test should be had for every one. not just older drivers .there are some very bad young drivers .inconsiderate drive to close & to fast on normal rds we have to keep alert & up to date if we are to enjoy driving safely *.Happy motoring * ;-)

Guine

think you'll find its 59 Mph for lorries, unless they have the appropriate speed sticker on the trailer.......
but there is always the "Tug of War" as one, or the other gets the benefit of the road bends, etc

I think everyone should be re-tested every so many years but unfortunately I can't see how this would be policed. We all know that not enough drivers using their mobile phones get caught. It's not that long ago, when in slow moving traffic on the M1 that I saw a young woman texting, her front seat passenger was a small child aged 2-3. Two cars in front of her was a young man who was also texting away. It doesn't seem to matter how many stories we read or hear about fatal accidents which have been caused by a driver using a mobile phone, too many motorists continue to do it.

The way some people drive really shocks me. Being a driving instructor, for me, the worst drivers are those with attitude. It's true that speed limits are not targets but if there is no good reason for a driver not driving at the speed limit, it can cause all sorts of problems. We all know too that on certain parts of the road it would not be safe to drive at the speed limit.

Belonging to a driving instructor forum, I've been quite surprised to read that a high number of potential driving instructors struggle to pass the part 2 which is a test of driving ability. Yes I know it is a much higher standard than the L test but even so it really should be the standard to which all experienced drivers drive to.

Chris

Now you are being silly ;-)

Emma, is it encrusted with rhinestones too?

lololol

So Supercrutch and Ann you have seen my scooter :-D

and knives on the wheels like in Ben Hur :-D

:-D :-D :-D

Rose, once I have one it will be fitted with ear deafening horns to shift pedestrians PDQ :-D

and that does include prescription drugs also...not just the illegal type.

I don't drive, but I wouldn't anyway, my eyesight is too dodgy... I couldn't in summer in any case, my hay fever would mean streaming eyes, or on tablets strong enough to control it somewhat I would be too dopey.( more than usual before anyone says it lol)

Risking Supercrutch's wrath a little :-) I do wish mobility scooters were just a little louder, some come up behind you very quietly.

and drivers under the influence
of drugs are just as bad too :-( :-(

drunks in cars or anywhere else are the scum of the earth