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Author	Topic: [Poll: 2009.37]: Should drivers be re-tested to determine driving capability?	Post a Reply Back to Topics

JT Moderator	Message Posted: Sep 5, 2009 9:01:00 PM Ignore JT Report Abuse Should drivers be re-tested to determine driving capability? Yes, periodically after a certain age Yes, periodically regardless of age Yes, after an accumulation of moving violations No, the initial test should be sufficient Other Post your thoughts about this poll below.

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Message Posted: Sep 5, 2009 9:01:00 PM

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Should drivers be re-tested to determine driving capability?
Yes, periodically after a certain age
Yes, periodically regardless of age
Yes, after an accumulation of moving violations
No, the initial test should be sufficient
Other

Post your thoughts about this poll below.

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nyuknyuk49 Champion Author Massachusetts Posts:8,704 Points:1,790,415 Joined:Mar 2005	Message Posted: Jul 28, 2010 6:27:36 AM Ignore nyuknyuk49 Report Abuse yes
cardjim Champion Author Missouri Posts:7,565 Points:1,726,525 Joined:Aug 2005	Message Posted: Jul 28, 2010 6:21:32 AM Ignore cardjim Report Abuse yes
SAVEITIL Veteran Author Chicago Posts:345 Points:195,775 Joined:May 2009	Message Posted: Jul 27, 2010 10:24:17 PM Ignore SAVEITIL Report Abuse Yes, after an accumulation of moving violations
michigansooner Rookie Author Grand Rapids Posts:38 Points:2,340 Joined:Jul 2010	Message Posted: Jul 27, 2010 4:29:08 PM Ignore michigansooner Report Abuse yes after a certain age and number of moving violations
fuel1971 Rookie Author San Antonio Posts:73 Points:29,510 Joined:Jun 2010	Message Posted: Jun 22, 2010 10:42:02 PM Ignore fuel1971 Report Abuse Yes, after an accumulation of moving violations
jeffrey561 Rookie Author Baltimore Posts:84 Points:26,005 Joined:May 2009	Message Posted: May 17, 2010 8:58:56 AM Ignore jeffrey561 Report Abuse Yes because it is a little scary the way people drives...
bja0030 Champion Author New Mexico Posts:1,069 Points:183,745 Joined:Jan 2010	Message Posted: May 12, 2010 7:39:48 AM Ignore bja0030 Report Abuse YES
BIGBOOTYJUDY Rookie Author St. Louis Posts:40 Points:5,670 Joined:Apr 2010	Message Posted: May 4, 2010 2:15:19 PM Ignore BIGBOOTYJUDY Report Abuse i THNIK DRIVERS SHOULD BE RETESTED EVERY YEAR. ALOT OF THINGS CAN CHANGE IN A YEAR
g357 Veteran Author Mobile Posts:441 Points:139,070 Joined:Jul 2009	Message Posted: Mar 29, 2010 7:48:19 PM Ignore g357 Report Abuse Some proven accident prone drivers via tickets/citations; yes indeed.
bja0030 Champion Author New Mexico Posts:1,069 Points:183,745 Joined:Jan 2010	Message Posted: Mar 8, 2010 7:44:28 AM Ignore bja0030 Report Abuse yes at least in flordia
BobD2009 Champion Author Long Island Posts:1,917 Points:264,885 Joined:Apr 2009	Message Posted: Jan 11, 2010 6:53:36 AM Ignore BobD2009 Report Abuse Additional test will achieve noting people drive differently at a test than they usually do.
nkb Champion Author Raleigh Posts:1,903 Points:343,700 Joined:Jul 2009	Message Posted: Dec 12, 2009 4:33:26 AM Ignore nkb Report Abuse yes
itsmee Rookie Author Calgary Posts:4 Points:880 Joined:Dec 2009	Message Posted: Dec 11, 2009 2:33:49 PM Ignore itsmee Report Abuse WHEN all drivers realize driving is a privilege and ability is based on knowledge earned with experience.Then take the time to watch,listen or learn from professionals operating a career with commercial licences.The need for re-testing will be reduced to only drivers with a bad history, medical/senior age requirements.
rumbleseat Champion Author Winnipeg Posts:16,851 Points:2,724,125 Joined:Oct 2002	Message Posted: Nov 29, 2009 4:55:28 AM Ignore rumbleseat Report Abuse Having to use a wheelchair has nothing to do with being able to drive safely. Thousands of handicapped people have vehicles converted for them, and have good driving records. You can't formulate a good opinion based on observing that one person. Re-think the mobility issue TAT36. If you get hit crossing the road and lose the use of your legs, you just may want the option of learning to drive a hand control vehicle (and passing the driver test in it of course) yourself. I know I would.
TAT36 Champion Author Florida Posts:1,805 Points:344,510 Joined:Sep 2009	Message Posted: Nov 28, 2009 2:18:21 PM Ignore TAT36 Report Abuse At license renewal time at least after 70. Vision test. Mobility test. Saw someone the other day in a resturant who wasn't able to get around by himnself, had to have someone push his wheel chair to the car but he got behind the wheel and drove off very slowly on a street with a 50 mph speed limit.
24541 All-Star Author Virginia Posts:846 Points:1,375,350 Joined:Mar 2004	Message Posted: Nov 8, 2009 6:46:13 PM Ignore 24541 Report Abuse Of course.
mattressman13 Champion Author Indiana Posts:1,533 Points:451,230 Joined:Oct 2007	Message Posted: Oct 29, 2009 2:55:20 PM Ignore mattressman13 Report Abuse Everyone should be tested twice as must as required today...Safety is key and additional testing would help....
HFAJR0034 Champion Author New Mexico Posts:1,110 Points:273,015 Joined:Jul 2009	Message Posted: Oct 23, 2009 7:07:07 AM Ignore HFAJR0034 Report Abuse i think the kids should (17 AND UNDER AND SOME OF THESE OLD FOLKS.
MollyAZ Rookie Author Phoenix Posts:1 Points:120 Joined:Oct 2009	Message Posted: Oct 12, 2009 3:39:03 PM Ignore MollyAZ Report Abuse My response is Yes, periodically regardless of age. I came across this discussion and thought people made some great points! I am a patient care coordinator/office manager for Driving To Independence. We provide Driving Evaluations and Trainings for people with disabilities, medical conditions or who are unsure of their ability to safely operate a motor vehicle. People will come to us after a change in their medical status (upon request of their doctors or the MVD) and they will come in feeling that our program is not necesaary-"they have been driving for years!" but they often times walk out feeling greatful for the "refresher" as people are often unaware of how they forget things or are unaware of new laws. We also have a well developed "Senior Evaluation," that has helped many seniors, and their families, come to safe and fair conclusions about their driving. Please feel free to contact me for more questions at 480.449.3331 or
rumbleseat Champion Author Winnipeg Posts:16,851 Points:2,724,125 Joined:Oct 2002	Message Posted: Sep 28, 2009 3:11:19 PM Ignore rumbleseat Report Abuse I don't think so much emphasis should be put on a written exam. When we first studied, we had to learn distances for dipping lights, safe following, etc. Well, I couldn't tell you now what those figures are, because they have been put into practice many years ago. But in a road test I can sure show you what they are, and the practice is far more important than the ability to memorize figures from a booklet. When we are learners, we need those figures until such time as we can actually start to visualize them automatically. The fact so many on the road demonstrate ignorance of these distances reinforces the need to test them in the car, not on paper.
mattressman13 Champion Author Indiana Posts:1,533 Points:451,230 Joined:Oct 2007	Message Posted: Sep 28, 2009 12:53:33 PM Ignore mattressman13 Report Abuse Certainly. We need to get problem drivers off the road and testing is probably the only way...
AnyPort Rookie Author Oklahoma Posts:98 Points:15,525 Joined:Oct 2005	Message Posted: Sep 27, 2009 2:07:43 AM Ignore AnyPort Report Abuse I think every renewal should be a complete re-test, for everyone. It would increase the cost of re-newing a license, fund wages for more examiners (JOBS!!), and get questionable ability drivers screened much more often.
phawgare Rookie Author Dayton Posts:97 Points:60,920 Joined:Jul 2009	Message Posted: Sep 26, 2009 7:53:38 PM Ignore phawgare Report Abuse YES ONLY IF THERE HAVE A BAD RECORD I GUESS..............
kdgonzo Rookie Author Virginia Beach Posts:89 Points:476,110 Joined:Aug 2005	Message Posted: Sep 22, 2009 5:34:24 PM Ignore kdgonzo Report Abuse Yes, periodically regardless of age. How many could pass the written exam right now after so many years? I don't think I could right now. We all need a refresher.
jo977 Rookie Author San Jose Posts:11 Points:3,700 Joined:Jul 2007	Message Posted: Sep 20, 2009 9:35:26 AM Ignore jo977 Report Abuse Yes, periodically after a certain age and also after an accumulation of moving violations
changpk Rookie Author San Francisco Posts:5 Points:325 Joined:Sep 2009	Message Posted: Sep 19, 2009 4:13:42 PM Ignore changpk Report Abuse yes, maybe there could be a catalogue of bad drivers, too, and after a certain amount of complaints about them they would have to retest.
saturn96 All-Star Author Indiana Posts:633 Points:147,565 Joined:Jul 2009	Message Posted: Sep 19, 2009 1:06:24 PM Ignore saturn96 Report Abuse no,the initial test is sufficient
Dijana Rookie Author Ontario Posts:10 Points:7,300 Joined:Sep 2009	Message Posted: Sep 19, 2009 10:32:03 AM Ignore Dijana Report Abuse Yes, after an accumulation of moving violations
walter34 Rookie Author Portland Posts:4 Points:145,245 Joined:Aug 2003	Message Posted: Sep 17, 2009 4:14:44 PM Ignore walter34 Report Abuse A re-cert for driving privileges is a good idea, but with the economy you have to look how the extra testing costs will be paid for. You just might see an increase in renewal fees for your license and/or vehicle titles. Just a thought.
TAT36 Champion Author Florida Posts:1,805 Points:344,510 Joined:Sep 2009	Message Posted: Sep 17, 2009 6:01:34 AM Ignore TAT36 Report Abuse Drivers should have at least an eye exam on renewal after retirement or 70 whichever comes first. We all see a lot of drivers both young and old that seem to be a menace on the road but we all know (even though I am one) after a certain age none of your senses are as keen as when you were younger. Young doesn't always mean better but reaction times for the young are certianly better, however reaction times sometimes don't make up for the experience of what should and shouldn't be done. We take a test when we first drive why not periodically as age advances if not for all.
KrazyDawg Champion Author California Posts:2,320 Points:388,685 Joined:Aug 2007	Message Posted: Sep 16, 2009 8:29:52 AM Ignore KrazyDawg Report Abuse Testing needs to be increased in densely populated areas that cause traffic like LA. Some of the traffic is caused by people that can't drive not because of more cars. On a recent road trip, I noticed cars trying to pass on the right lane when there was already a lack of space and cars were already braking ahead causing additional traffic.
mattressman13 Champion Author Indiana Posts:1,533 Points:451,230 Joined:Oct 2007	Message Posted: Sep 15, 2009 2:46:06 PM Ignore mattressman13 Report Abuse Testing should occur for those sixty-five every other year. It would probably be a "pain" for most but it is better to be tested than to allow people with problems to be on the road. I would like to be a safe as possible...
Kowkisser All-Star Author Albany Posts:971 Points:203,650 Joined:May 2008	Message Posted: Sep 15, 2009 7:44:36 AM Ignore Kowkisser Report Abuse There should be retesting, maybe every 15 years until age 65, then every 5 years or so. There should also be an eye test, not only to see if you need glasses, but whether you can drive at night. I know that a lot of states have graduated licences for teens, that restrict when they can drive. The eye test can give you a restriction that you must be wearing your glasses. If you have that restriction and are not wearing corrective lenses, it is the same as driving without a license. There could be a test to check your night vision, since the elderly frequently lose that. They can still safely drive during daylight hours, but are unable to drive at night. With a restriction on their license, they can still drive when they need to, just not when they cannot see well enough. My grandfather knew his limitations. One time he got caught in traffic, so it was dark and he was still on the road. He pulled into a gas station parking lot and spent the night until the sun came up the next morning.
mjp179 Champion Author Massachusetts Posts:2,500 Points:445,040 Joined:Jan 2008	Message Posted: Sep 14, 2009 7:11:19 AM Ignore mjp179 Report Abuse I originally answered: Yes, periodically regardless of age and after an accumulation of moving violations. More frequently before 25(?) and after 65(?) makes sense too, perhaps the frequency could be adjusted by performance on the previous test. Testing should include parking, backing, turns, local and highway driving. BUT, a great point has been made that most drivers would be on their best behavior during a test. Perhaps the public should be able to vote - by reporting frequent bad drivers by license plate numbers (with a driver description to cover multi driver vehicles?). I recognize that this could be subject to abuse, but if each vote also counted as a partial vote for the voter to be tested too, it might be effective in limiting reporting to serious violators. [Edited by: mjp179 at 9/14/2009 10:12:56 AM EST]
GreenflashMD Rookie Author Maryland Posts:99 Points:632,730 Joined:Aug 2007	Message Posted: Sep 13, 2009 2:20:48 PM Ignore GreenflashMD Report Abuse California used to give drivers over 65 a road test before renewing their licenses. They may still do that, I don't know. I do know that the road test was one of the best things that happened to my father -- and to drivers and pedestrians in San Diego. Dad had been an excellent driver for many years but a certain time in his life, definitely related to aging, he became a menace. I rode with him on the freeways and saw he got confused about which exits to take, this in a segment of highway he had driven for years. He would slow down to 30 mph or less -- a serious hazard on a high speed highway -- while he figured it out. His car had many dents from his the posts in his parking garage -- he had lost his once keen sense of depth perception. He was outraged to have failed the test and have his license taken away, but it was the best thing that could have happened. Here in Maryland there are stories weekly of elderly people crashing into buildings, causing accidents, etc. Many elderly people are fine drivers but the state governments have a responsibility to protect us from those drivers who are no longer capable of handling a massive lump of metal at high speeds.
JunGleJimBo Veteran Author Orange County Posts:379 Points:162,630 Joined:Jun 2009	Message Posted: Sep 13, 2009 8:38:55 AM Ignore JunGleJimBo Report Abuse Thank you, NYSE! JimBo
kill bill Champion Author Ontario Posts:1,342 Points:784,730 Joined:May 2004	Message Posted: Sep 12, 2009 8:49:56 PM Ignore kill bill Report Abuse I agree that older drivers like 65+ should be tested to see if they are still fit for driving.
BenGast Sophomore Author Boise Posts:108 Points:206,985 Joined:Oct 2005	Message Posted: Sep 12, 2009 7:49:33 PM Ignore BenGast Report Abuse I believe there should be periodic testing for both knowledge of laws as well driving skills.
roadkillGA Champion Author Georgia Posts:3,382 Points:485,950 Joined:Jun 2008	Message Posted: Sep 12, 2009 7:44:41 PM Ignore roadkillGA Report Abuse Yes, too many people slide by and should not be on the road.
must87searcher Champion Author Maryland Posts:4,152 Points:809,800 Joined:Apr 2008	Message Posted: Sep 12, 2009 7:09:00 PM Ignore must87searcher Report Abuse After having a bad history of driving, it would certainly be good to have the driver retested. It would be even better to have it done periodically to be sure the another damaging event will not longer occure.
Barry Sophomore Author Twin Cities Posts:119 Points:2,224,155 Joined:Apr 2002	Message Posted: Sep 12, 2009 6:40:27 PM Ignore Barry Report Abuse Yes, periodically regardless of age so no age discrimination. May be every 10 years?
nyse Veteran Author Maine Posts:302 Points:424,680 Joined:Oct 2007	Message Posted: Sep 12, 2009 6:10:08 PM Ignore nyse Report Abuse definitely. We younger and middle aged drivers are among the worse. WE don't use direction signals. We hang in the passing lane causing people to pass us on the right. We think we own the road and take delight in building up a line of traffic behind us--it's a power trip to make all those folks in back of you drive are your speed instead of the speed that they want to drive. We speed up when other drivers pull out to pass us. We tailgate a lot hoping that will cause someone to pull over and let us by, but they seldom do. People need to be retested every 6-10 years. We develop lots of bad driving habits and there is no one to tell us otherwise. We should give up our licenses, if necessary, until we can learn to drive safely and courteously.
SuperMoto Veteran Author Connecticut Posts:275 Points:808,410 Joined:Sep 2007	Message Posted: Sep 12, 2009 5:34:53 PM Ignore SuperMoto Report Abuse No, the initial test should be sufficient. No big brother!This poll is only one week old by the way.
chui Champion Author Dallas Posts:1,965 Points:1,618,715 Joined:Sep 2004	Message Posted: Sep 12, 2009 4:37:28 PM Ignore chui Report Abuse yes, after three violations in three years
Bonanza Champion Author Boston Posts:6,235 Points:1,575,665 Joined:Jun 2004	Message Posted: Sep 12, 2009 3:55:02 PM Ignore Bonanza Report Abuse Yes, periodically regardless of age
CPGas1815 Champion Author Michigan Posts:1,681 Points:246,195 Joined:Apr 2008	Message Posted: Sep 12, 2009 3:45:48 PM Ignore CPGas1815 Report Abuse I wonder when the nest poll will be posted. We've discussed this topic for two weeks.
gasman60 Rookie Author Nebraska Posts:16 Points:25,935 Joined:Jun 2009	Message Posted: Sep 12, 2009 3:38:46 PM Ignore gasman60 Report Abuse Yes, after an accumulation of moving violations
JunGleJimBo Veteran Author Orange County Posts:379 Points:162,630 Joined:Jun 2009	Message Posted: Sep 12, 2009 2:57:07 PM Ignore JunGleJimBo Report Abuse Driver's should be tested BEFORE they get moving violations. Great time to remind them not to tlak on cell phones, slower traffic keep right..... JimBo
N9HVP Champion Author Indiana Posts:7,008 Points:1,549,890 Joined:Sep 2004	Message Posted: Sep 12, 2009 2:00:31 PM Ignore N9HVP Report Abuse Yes, after an accumulation of moving violations.
4bangerON Rookie Author Ontario Posts:57 Points:7,040 Joined:Mar 2009	Message Posted: Sep 12, 2009 12:57:28 PM Ignore 4bangerON Report Abuse YES!!!!!!