Each state and territory of Australia has its own regulations regarding older driver testing. For most states and territories, a road test is required annually from 85 years of age. In Victoria however, things are a little bit different. There is no prescribed period or age where a road test is required, but this may occur if concern is declared or reported.
In my opinion, I believe that all drivers (no matter what age) should be subject to compulsory on road testing when we renew our licences. As our level of driving experience grows, we do develop bad habits and our knowledge of changes to road laws can become lax.
Why should compulsory testing be limited to drivers over 85 years of age? In my experience as an occupational therapy driver assessor, it is not just older drivers who can be unsafe drivers on our roads, I have seen younger drivers who are unsafe too and these drivers don’t necessarily have medical conditions that are making them unsafe.
We all have a responsibility to keep our roads safe. All too often I hear “I have been driving for x amount of years and I have never had an accident”. What my experience tells me is that this means very little. Not having had an accident in recent times doesn’t necessarily make you a safe driver, it’s what you do every day when you’re driving out on the roads that makes you safe.
All too often I see people who think they are good drivers doing some very frightening things whilst behind the wheel, these are the times when I am white knuckled and holding on for dear life! When I speak to them about it, more often than not they think nothing of it and they say that “this is the way I always drive”. In that case, you are not a good driver, you are a lucky driver to not have caused or been involved in an accident.
Driving at a safe speed, responding appropriately to hazards, being able to maintain road position, sound decision making, good planning and judgement, as well as good vehicle handling skills are just some of the factors which contribute to you being a safe driver. It can only make our roads safer by putting all drivers through the rigors of an on road test. If you are a good driver, what have you got to worry about – right?
I would love to hear your thoughts on this issue. Please feel free to join in the conversation.