Learner took 21 tests in a year

Angus_Og

VFR wrote: »

Why did you stop me officer ?
Well we saw you using your brake's, there was no traffic in front of you or in fact anywhere remotely nearby, except us who were well over 200 yds behind. Can you tell me why you were braking ?
Well ermm, ermm, did I ?

This one made me smile, the people I like to give the widest berth to are the random brakers, they are really quite scary.

And the thick ones are those that brake 50m before an average speed camera but in all probability were below the limit any and cause all the traffic to bunch up.

AdrianC

shaun_from_Africa wrote: »

I was responding to the idea of testing every 3-4 years at a minimum and saying that I think that's far too often and impractical whereas every 10 years may be more feasible.
It's doesn't have to be a practical driving test.

It absolutely should be a practical test.

If you're worried about the theory side, that can be incorporated into the practical. But I'd really quite like to know that the people I'm sharing roads with have some basic level of competence and co-ordination...

I'd suggest 1yr after the first test pass, then another 3yrs, 5yrs, every decade until age 70, then 75, 80, 83, 85, and annually thereafter. Fail twice in a row, and back to L plates. Any ban, even a totter, and the next retest becomes due to get licence back.

And don't say "But how will it be funded?" - because it will not only fund itself, but raise revenue. From the test fees, obvs. And it'll still work out cheaper overall for drivers, because insurance claims will plummet, and premiums will follow in short order.

(And if you're going to say "But EU licence holders..." - I'm quite happy for it to be put to the European Parliament as an EU-wide measure...)

facade

AdrianC wrote: »

it'll still work out cheaper overall for drivers, because insurance claims will plummet, and premiums will follow in short order.

In your dreams mate! :rotfl::rotfl::rotfl::rotfl::rotfl::rotfl::rotfl:

Jackmydad

Arklight wrote: »

In my area of the UK there are many of the elderly community and many of them are poor drivers who drive in the middle of the road.

They generally do not respond to honking.

I frequently have to retract my mirrors.

My mirrors have been hit by them.

There are a lot where I live as well. I'm getting towards pension age myself. Although I generally still manage to keep to the left of the white line myself.
Seems to me that while there are the old doddery drivers who insist on sitting on the line, and are usually very indecisive, the majority who ignore the white lines are younger drivers mostly driving large saloons. They seem to ignore most of the other rules as well, and common sense about speed. As I've said before, around here in particular, just because the limit is 60 it really doesn't meant to say that it's safe to do anything like that in most places.

NBLondon

Not sure if mandatory refreshers would be feasible but how about a refresher after any accident or ticket? It is all too easy to develop bad habits or not keep up with the latest changes in the law or signage. I did a speed awareness course a few years back and it did make me brush up a bit.

As for limiting power until you gain experience - can we limit physical size as well? Passing your test in a Micra and immediately going out in a large SUV is not a great idea either...

engineer_amy

Jackmydad wrote: »

They seem to ignore most of the other rules as well, and common sense about speed. As I've said before, around here in particular, just because the limit is 60 it really doesn't meant to say that it's safe to do anything like that in most places.

There is a road up to my mums house that is national speed limit. this road is just about wide enough for 2 cars to comfortably pass, no white lines, but I generally will only go at 40mph as you frequently go round a bend to find a car coming at you in the middle of the road, cars nosing out of driveways, tractors, hedge cutters, large vans and lorries trying to avoid the busy roundabout nearby. I consider myself to be quite a competent driver and I still wouldn't attempt to do 60mph along that road.
Plenty of learners on that road also - I think instructors use it as an example of difficult driving.

thriftylass

Why not teach them to drive properly in the first place. In some countries like Germany you have to do a mandatory number of lessons. Back in my day it was 12hrs in a city. 5hrs country roads, 4 hours on the motorway and 3 hours at night time. Only then could you do a test if you where deemed ready. Seemed to me like a money making scheme at the time but with hindsight........

almillar

Your a decent chap.

You got there joke too.

I always thought that it would be a good idea to do a test, to get a Licence. That's once every 10 years for many of us, then more often when we get older. Not if you change address or name or anything. Sure, there's admin and cost involved in that, but maybe it would raise road safety standards and save money from fewer crashes, and maybe the odd kitten, child or nun would be spared too.

iolanthe07

Richard53 wrote: »

Your a decent chap.

Your a decent chap.

You're a decent chap.

Jackmydad

engineer_amy wrote: »

There is a road up to my mums house that is national speed limit. this road is just about wide enough for 2 cars to comfortably pass, no white lines, but I generally will only go at 40mph as you frequently go round a bend to find a car coming at you in the middle of the road, cars nosing out of driveways, tractors, hedge cutters, large vans and lorries trying to avoid the busy roundabout nearby. I consider myself to be quite a competent driver and I still wouldn't attempt to do 60mph along that road.
Plenty of learners on that road also - I think instructors use it as an example of difficult driving.

Exactly, a lot of the "main roads" around here are little better than B roads elsewhere. Blind bends, blind pull outs, little crossroads, farm entrances, they all abound. There are actually very few places I can think of where it is safe to do 60.
40-45 generally seems nearer the mark if you actually drive within the visible distance ahead..
That doesn't suit some people though.