Opinions relating to re-testing for license renewal, what's your opinion? Options

[saleeka]

I got to thinking just a few minutes ago how here in the US, we don't have licensed drivers re-test at any point to insure that they are still knowledgeable of traffic laws, and I really don't understand why... I just came back from the grocery store and had, I’ll say, an "unpleasant" experience with an older gentleman driver who clearly did not have the attention, or practical knowledge to be driving safely anymore... I've heard that too many people are against re-testing for fear that it would negatively affect them, but personally, I'm all for having to re-test at renewal time. I can't see how taking a few hours out of a good driver's day is so negative in comparison to the people who fail and are forced to take a day and go through "the basics" again and pass, hopefully leaning a few things and becoming a better driver in the process. I understand implementing re-testing would incur quite a bit of cost to fund and run, but I think a few times in a lifetime (say once every ten years) would be a reasonable refresher and good balance between cost-effectiveness and usefulness. What does everybody else think?

[ILuvMyCelica95]

I personally think that 16 is too early to get a license. Thats the age here in NY as Erik said. I got mine at 17 but i still think i was too young to have that freedom.

The problem is at a younger age you feel invincible and/or you feel the need to test the car and your limit. I'm sure many people have done it, myself included.

I also agree with some of the point concerning older people. I think 55 or 60 is way to early to re-test someone. I think 75+. I do know that when you renew your license you have to submit a signed form from your eye doctor saying you passed the exam. If you fail that then no more license for you.

A few years ago we took my grandmother’s car away because she’s 85 and she was just hitting random things like fences and I witnessed her go into the one way at the bank in town almost causing a big accident. At that point we said sorry but you really aren’t safe anymore.

The problem is not all older people or younger people have someone in their lives with common sense that can tell them hey you need more experience or you really shouldn’t be driving anymore.