I think there should be compulsory hazard awareness, ability and road ettiquette tests for everyone every 5 yrs and then when you reach 65 a yearly competency test.
The ability tests should be based on someone's capacity to actually handle a car over a certain cc/power and there should be categories of cars that they should then be able to own. If they want more powerful cars then they should have to have training to ensure their driving skills come up to a certain standard. too many people drive cars that are totally unsuitable for their ability.
I don't care how wealthy they are just because they can afford a range rover/big BMW it doesn't mean they can use it to intimidate other road users or drive it without regard for other motorist i.e. the my cars bigger than yours and cost a lot more so get the fcuk out of my way mentality that I've seen so many times.
If you're a 19 yr old rich kid and mummy or daddy let you drive the Porsche then IMO you lack the skill set to handle a car like that and shouldn't be allowed anywhere near it until you have been driving for 5 years minimum.
I'll get off my soapbox now and wait for the keyboard bashing to start.
As for the over 65's then yes many of our counties pensioners are safe and competent and have no trouble driving round but equally there are as many that are doddery old twats that shouldn't be in charge of a car and not only is there slow driving dangerous and frustrating for other motorists but they forget to check mirrors put handbrakes on and as their brain slows down so does their ability to think and react.
The ability tests should be based on someone's capacity to actually handle a car over a certain cc/power and there should be categories of cars that they should then be able to own. If they want more powerful cars then they should have to have training to ensure their driving skills come up to a certain standard. too many people drive cars that are totally unsuitable for their ability.
I don't care how wealthy they are just because they can afford a range rover/big BMW it doesn't mean they can use it to intimidate other road users or drive it without regard for other motorist i.e. the my cars bigger than yours and cost a lot more so get the fcuk out of my way mentality that I've seen so many times.
If you're a 19 yr old rich kid and mummy or daddy let you drive the Porsche then IMO you lack the skill set to handle a car like that and shouldn't be allowed anywhere near it until you have been driving for 5 years minimum.
I'll get off my soapbox now and wait for the keyboard bashing to start.
As for the over 65's then yes many of our counties pensioners are safe and competent and have no trouble driving round but equally there are as many that are doddery old twats that shouldn't be in charge of a car and not only is there slow driving dangerous and frustrating for other motorists but they forget to check mirrors put handbrakes on and as their brain slows down so does their ability to think and react.