Retesting

[Stringent]

Just out of interest, how many of you are up for a driving test re-test every 5 or so years. I think it would be a good idea, also to review the theory as well as the practial part.

[blockers]

Havent passed the pratical yet.....

need to get it booked :O, and get lots of practice.

Will

[Rave]

Well, good idea in theory, but the problem is the test doesn't teach you to drive well, only competently and reasonably safely. Some of the stuff I do like driving one handed with the other on the gearstick would fail me the test but I can drive more smoothly and probably more safely as a result. Plus the DVLA can barely cope with testing enough new drivers, it'd take years to clear the backlog if they started doing this.

Rich :¬)

[Stringent]

Maybe, but it would make sure that people are at a reasonable level and are up to speed on the road laws etc.

[5lab]

nagh would cost too much/be too much of a pain in th arse for everyone

[TiG]

Sadly i'm the opposite, i think that a re-test if economically feasible (which i agree its not) is a very sensible idea.

I think that it should not be appropriate to put you in a car with an instructor tho, maybe a car with video camera?, you have to drive the car your normal situation for a week before it gets moved to the next person on the list for a re-test?.

TiG

[Russ]

its a nice idea, but theres not the time and money for it to happen

[Skii]

Nah, we need to make sure people are properly instructed and tested in the first place. There are people on the roads who should never have been passed by an examiner, look at that Britains' worst Driver program.

Also, no amount of testing or re-testing is going to stop someone intentionally being a tw@t behind the wheel.

Get the basics sorted in the first place, saves problems in the long run

[Stringent]

True, but it will filter out some that shouldn't be on the road anyway.

[Twigman]

Got my second attempt at the practical tomorrow. Maybe just compulsury after 60years old?
And maybe ever 10years or something after that?

[sdp]

It would be an absolute nightmare - 18month waiting lists and besides, I've failed 4 times already, imagine being told you cant drive and have to go through the whole test thing again and again and again. Nasty.

[TomWilko]

If you failed you would be screwed for getting to work (a lot of people who commute) so it couldn't really be feasible for them...

[Jiff Lemon]

I think the way to do would be that if you didn't pass it doesn't mean you can't automtically NOT drive. However, you've then got a fixed time in which you must pass.

I'm also a big fan of restricting what you can drive depending on your ability. There is little to stop a newly qualified driver jumping behind the wheel of a supercar.

Once you pass 70, you have to get a doctors certificate to say you're ok to drive - Does that Doctor have to get in the car with you? Nope.

And when did you peeps have your eyes last tested? Ever wondered how many people are out there driving at 70mph but would actually fail the standard eye test?

[hotpurple]

That is a worrying prospect

[Alex]

I think they need to sort out the first driving test 1st, I know so many people who have passed who shouldnt be on the road, or in fact anywhere near it, but there are quite a few people who fail their test when they are perfectly good drivers! Dont really know how they should improve this though...

[Zak33]

another thought....once you've passed....then and only then, do you learn to really drive.

The test is meaningless in real life.....its not until you've spent a few weeks in central London trying to get ANYWHERE you realise that it's no use at all.....

no where near enough emphasis is placed on parking....every single person in the UK in a car must park it.....if they cant they often cause huge hold ups....

if people cant park......they shouldnt be in a car.

Next....OIL WATER and TYRE PRESSURES>...in fact....FILLING THE BLOODY THING WITH FUEL....

I swear....some people cant do it....

IT SHOULD BE COMPLUSORY>.....you NEED to know it...s why is it not in the test.

and dont even get me onto MOTORWAYS!!!!!!