Periodic driving test re-takes?

I'm getting really fed up with drivers not using their indicators and generally having a lack of road sense. I think many drivers are in a little bubble of their own. Even I've been known to have momentary lapses of concentration.

So, I think it would be good if people had to re-take their once every x years, to ensure they still have the required level of concentration.

I'm sure the majority of people would come up to the required standard on test day. If that's the case, a retest would still serve a purpose because it would remind drivers that you should indicate, keep a proper lookout, etc.

What do you think?

Like I'd pass a 2nd time.....

Although would be so tempted to 're-take' a test in the NA

My driving instructor always told me that he was teaching me to drive, not to pass a test, I think that goes some way to explaining the problem with some people.

That and 99% of the population being selfish idiots of course.

That and 99% of the population being selfish idiots of course.

That and 99% of the population being selfish idiots of course.

I wouldn't disagree with that.

Like I'd pass a 2nd time.....

Ooh I don't know, I don't think there's anything in the Highway Code specifically forbidding drifting, is there?

I think a re-test at scheduled intervals is a good idea.

I think a re-test at scheduled intervals is a good idea.

Agreed as long as we didn't have to pay again.

I don't think it'll change a thing. People would be goodie goodie for 45mins and then right back to t0$$er mode leaving the test center.

What we need is a deterrent,

No indication - 5 mins cattle prodding

Middle lane hog - 20 mins cattle prodding

Hit and run - Slow drawn out death featuring razor blades and lots of vinegar/salt... Say about three weeks...

The problem I found when I was instructing advanced driving was simple...and it does apply to everyone IMHO...People think once they pass their driving test they can drive...

NO!! Driving is a learning experience, it is dynamic and it constantly changes. While it was fun it did highlight a point, every now and then we would get a spotty oik on the track who had just come to thrash an m3 round the circuit. 10 mins out with one of us driving hard and they usually shut up or came out with the classic 'So I will be able to drive like that by the end of the day'....."NO!!!, hopefully you will walk away with an indepth understanding of the different types of driving style and WHEN to use what"

Hmm...its a good idea because some people on this road actually cant drive!

Even though i passed my test 4+ years ago, i dont want to ever feel like that again...waiting for test and then someone watching you!

Its horrible, made me feel really uncomfortable, anxious and nervous!

Perhaps a 2 hour refresher course to go through the basics would be good. it seems that most people i come across on the road have lost the basics, indicating, mini roundabouts and lane discipline on larger roundabouts, accelerating up to speed on slip roads etc etc.

I just had to do a driving course for my new job, was funny I thought after 9 years i'd of picked up loads of bad habits and would get a grilling from the rac bloke. He actually sent the report to my boss saying I was a confident driver and handled the van with skill.... I was shocked lol.... he goes if it was an actual re-test he would of passed me I think its good just to have a refresher

I still think a copy of the Highway Code should be handed out each time you tax your car, when was the last time you read it?

Perhaps a 2 hour refresher course to go through the basics would be good. it seems that most people i come across on the road have lost the basics, indicating, mini roundabouts and lane discipline on larger roundabouts, accelerating up to speed on slip roads etc etc.

Agreed, and they are the sort of people whom compulsory re-tests would be aimed at.

I have no doubt that many drivers would be able to turn off Plonker Mode during the test and then just turn it back on afterwards. That means that they know what they *should* be doing, but they choose not to during normal driving. We can't do much about those people.

It's the people who have genuinely lost the basics that it's aimed at. Some people get confused at mini-roundabouts about who has right-of-way, leading to what I like to call a "Mexican Stand-Off" where everyone's waiting for eveyone else to enter the roundabout. You wouldn't be able to turn that kind of behaviour off during a test, and they would rightly fail.

I still think a copy of the Highway Code should be handed out each time you tax your car, when was the last time you read it?

Thats a very very good point I don't think I even read it when I did my test in 92 just cribbed the most obvious questions and hoped for the best. I mean official stopping distances???? No idea Lane discipline very poor, indication of intent dismal, attention span getting alot shorter these days as well. Perhaps its not so good an idea as I may well not actually pass.

So what happens if you fail it?

It could be a very lucrative way for the government to make lots more money.

I think some old people should get tested again though, especially my 87 yr old grandma, she's a loon!

So what happens if you fail it?

 

It could be a very lucrative way for the government to make lots more money.

 

I think some old people should get tested again though, especially my 87 yr old grandma, she's a loon!

Same as if you fail it first time out you have to drive with supervision of someone that can actually drive

Same as if you fail it first time out you have to drive with supervision of someone that can actually drive

It could be very inconvenient for people that have two car families though with the women taking the kids to school.

In fact actually thinking about it, that could make my morning so much better......re-testing is the way forward!

I still think a copy of the Highway Code should be handed out each time you tax your car, when was the last time you read it?

How often do you read it?

I think some old people should get tested again though, especially my 87 yr old grandma, she's a loon!

Without being disrespectful, I totally agree with you. Some elderly drivers are a complete nightmare and I have said for years there should be a point (age wise) where a test of sorts should be compulsory to see if they (elderly) are still fit to be on the road.

I myself will hand my licence in when I think I am to old and cause a danger to other road users.

*Toddles of to hand her licence back*

How often do you read it?

Daily.

Daily.

Ok.

Ok.

Thanks, it's my homepage:

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/TravelAndTransport/Highwaycode/index.htm

Thanks, it's my homepage:

 

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/TravelAndTransport/Highwaycode/index.htm

LOL