Should drivers over 70 hand in their keys ?

[Franco Cozzo]

Originally Posted by Charliewool

And who pays for all these retests?

As a nearly 60 yr old, who has paid through the nose for my "privalege" to drive through God knows how many regos, stamp duties and petrol taxes over my 40 yrs on the road....

I certainly ain't!!

License test is a joke bro, just make sure before you turn you check rear vision mirror, indicate, slow down then gear down (if driving manual) in that exact order and you'll be fine lol.

Don't run yellows and stop at stop signs, and go out to Kyneton or Sunbury for the test lol.

[zoesgift]

no they shouldn't! if common sense existed across all age groups such a thread wouldn't exist! way too much aggression out there from young ones to parents in 4wd picking up their kids from school, not to mention the mobile phone issues and associated gadgets people seem to want to operate now while they are driving....with regards to earlier comments about trucks imo generally the drivers of such vehicles are the best drivers out there due to the size of their vehicle but there are always exceptions to this. ps im 43 and own v8 falcons

[GasoLane]

Originally Posted by 1TUFFUTE

I think they should be free and be a very simple testing process. Something along the lines of a Learners permit. If they allow learners to drive, then surely someone who can pass that, plus has 40plus years of experience, can drive. Obviously a vision check aswell if applicable....

No such thing as a free lunch. Someone would have to pay the testers, probably you and me as Taxpayers.

Originally Posted by mik

well medicals dont cost much Charliewool, and i guess there would be some small cost for a refresher/test, but i think it could be streamlined to be a fairly quick and cheap exercise if a bit of thought is put into it.

Medicals mean Dr's which means at least $75 per visit. As for the 'streamlined' comment, we're talking Gov bureaucracy. They'd need a dictionary to find out the meaning of the word .

[LoudPipes]

Originally Posted by commodorenutt

Keep with the context of my post.

They certainly don't allow for minimum turning radius, or even decent lane widths in suburbia. And I'm talking about allowance for large vehicles in suburbia - they simply DON'T make allowances for them like the RTA/RMS have to do on urban roads, and every new housing estate is proof of that, where the number of lots they can squeeze out takes priority over the size of the roads.

Again, Council’s design roads and sign off on approved design plans to the same design rules and construction principals as the RMS.

Minimum turning radiuses are determined by maximum vehicle speed limits.

Residential streets are not designed for large vehicles and never will be.

The construction and maintenance of local roads are already inadequately funded by rate payers and are designed for light traffic only, the cost to design them with trucks in mind would mean no seal residential streets.

It’s always been the case and always will be.

[1TUFFUTE]

Originally Posted by GasOLane

No such thing as a free lunch. Someone would have to pay the testers, probably you and me as Taxpayers.Medicals mean Dr's which means at least $75 per visit. As for the 'streamlined' comment, we're talking Gov bureaucracy. They'd need a dictionary to find out the meaning of the word .

'Bulk billing' can be done for any elderly driving test related check up. Or provide the latest report from the docs, to main roads.
And I be happy if tax payers footed the bill so that the elderly can zip in to main roads and get a quick eye check and a rule test.

Tick those two boxes and the roads are then safer for all.

Now they just need to sort out all the useless muppets who don't or can't "indicate" properly.

[cram_it_frog]

the way this government is going 70 years old will still be working 5 day weeks so how will they get to work if they cannot drive

[CoupeKing]

Originally Posted by cram_it_frog

the way this government is going 70 years old will still be working 5 day weeks so how will they get to work if they cannot drive

^This... we can always get a Taxi to work. Even though most of the drivers have the driving skills that are about as useful as a chocolate teapot.

By the time I`m 70, everyone will have given up smoking and drinking so that tax will just carry over to the price of fuel. $8.75 PL.

[cram_it_frog]

I am almost there just a fraction over ten years I will be 70 and that is scary to think

This year as expected has gone quick march 26 next year I hit 60 and the changes that I have seen in that time are amazing I am not sure if any future generation will see as many changes in such a short time

but I am retired due to spinal injury so work for me is now finished even thought I have cert4 in accounting and cert 4 in systems admin no doctors will sign the paper work for me to go back to work due to a unstable fracture and two major operation on my back

So I have had to accept that and move on

[Franco Cozzo]

Originally Posted by CoupeKing

^This... we can always get a Taxi to work. Even though most of the drivers have the driving skills that are about as useful as a chocolate teapot.

By the time I`m 70, everyone will have given up smoking and drinking so that tax will just carry over to the price of fuel. $8.75 PL.

Yeah, fuel will probably be $8.75/L and a load of bread will be $400 if I make it there lol.

[Itsme]

Originally Posted by fgpsi

IMO I say no

Seen an old dude drop a massive banger and figure 8 in a manual black FG II GT-P on St Kilda road out in front of the cop shop, no shiit this guy must've been about 90

Mate I believe you, I've seen a few sprightly old ones behind the wheel, grannies included that will put shame to young drivers....

[Itsme]

Originally Posted by GasOLane

No such thing as a free lunch. Someone would have to pay the testers, probably you and me as Taxpayers.Medicals mean Dr's which means at least $75 per visit. As for the 'streamlined' comment, we're talking Gov bureaucracy. They'd need a dictionary to find out the meaning of the word .

Once you have a medical condition & regularly see a doctor you will be bulked billed, I should know that I fall into this category at a young age of 56.

[mik]

Originally Posted by GasOLane

No such thing as a free lunch. Someone would have to pay the testers, probably you and me as Taxpayers.Medicals mean Dr's which means at least $75 per visit. As for the 'streamlined' comment, we're talking Gov bureaucracy. They'd need a dictionary to find out the meaning of the word .

All fair comments(especially gov bureaucracy ) ,
i would like to think there might be some money saving for the powers that be and public in general in the long run , because with the testing of medical and competency testing of both mental and driving,

some old fart that is on the road or someone with a medical condition that is on the road and shouldnt be, might not be, and hopefully wont cause a head on or mow down a shop full of people or a bus shelter, etc, etc, i don't know what it costs in fatalities or injuries for road accidents, but even rehab would be fair packet i suspect, not counting what it costs families when a member is killed.
I`m probably just in a dream world to think this could work, but if we don't try the chaos will continue.

[damo76]

no. but asian drivers should.

[fgpsi]

Originally Posted by damo76

no. but asian drivers should.

and Indians. And all women

[GasoLane]

Originally Posted by trublu

Once you have a medical condition & regularly see a doctor you will be bulked billed, I should know that I fall into this category at a young age of 56.

I can answer 1TUFFUTE and you at the same time here......

Maybe where you are, but it's still up to the Dr as to whether he wants to bulk bill or not.
Here in Wagga (pop 60,000) I think there are two possibly three DR's who will bulk bill.

[FPV+fteT3]

My dad is in his late 70's he has to be checked annually by his doc and an eye test to keep his license. I refuse to get in the car with him as I consider he is a danger but according to the doctors he is good to go. Reality is he has lost the sight in one eye and is 3 parts deaf but only wears his hearing aids if there is something good on telly. Dont get me started on trying to have a conversation with someone who guesses what you have just said.
He decided one year to go to see my daughter at spec savers for his eye test.
Katie checked him out and wrote on his form can only drive at daytime as his vison was not good enough for night. Pop does his block when he is told by his doctor what is on the report from the optometrist.
To cut to the chase the doctor said I can not change their report but you can throw it in the bin and I will do your sight test here and fill out another form for you which they did. His eyes are ok to drive anytime according to a GP....
Funny part is dad wont drive at night anymore but was ****ed that someone told him he couldn't. Where does that leave independant medical tests?
The car always has new scrapes and scratches on it but its "always while it was parked" funny I shop at coles and mine doesn't get hit everytime I go there.
The other side of the coin is mum her car is straight and she has no problems at all but neither of them drive very far and mum always drives in the dark even if dad drives there after dark mum drives home.
I guess we will all have to cross this bridge or arleast most of us will someday but will you be able to give up your independance and not drive?

[cram_it_frog]

my dad drove till 80 in the end it was not his health that got him his eye s and reaction times were great infact at one medical the GP said he fitter than some teenagers he sees

But in the end dementia got to him he would go down the road and forget how to get home

one day my sister got a phone call from Rockingham 70 ks from home he went to visit some old friends and got totally lost but he is from a generation that asking for help was a big no no so he just kept going till stopped by traffic cops in a RBT station he looked confused and had no idea where he was .

we had take his car off of him we just told him it was at the local garage getting fixed each time he asked

I can say it is one of the hardest things to watch is a some one you love and care for is there mind turn into mush in the end he could not tell what day it was but he could tell you all about his time in the RAF during www2 I hope I do not go that way

[olfella]

Originally Posted by GasOLane

I can answer 1TUFFUTE and you at the same time here......

Maybe where you are, but it's still up to the Dr as to whether he wants to bulk bill or not.
Here in Wagga (pop 60,000) I think there are two possibly three DR's who will bulk bill.

And the doc may think it takes longer than the 15 min normal consult to do and charge for a long consult > $100

[1TUFFUTE]

It's only 10mins for standard sessions now. Some older slower docs, who don't do full time and are slow will do 15min sessions still.

I'm only 33 and I'm legally blind in one eye(since very young)

But I also have to get a medical check every month now (sometimes I can squeeze it out to 3months) as I have a bad nerve root compression problem in my spine/groin that now prevents me from working. I think I'm lucky to be still driving!

And there is absolutely no reason why the govco can't nominate bulk billing for these elderly tests as they allready have the funding for all pensioners and concession holders to bulk bill everything.
I consider myself lucky as I get bulk billed every docs appointment and even most of my regular specialist aswell. They only miss out on the gap!

[Trevor 57]

Originally Posted by commodorenutt

As a relative of a senior road designer (and project manager of some very large infrastructure projects) I can say that trucks have been considered on freeway & mayor urban & rural road designs for about 35 years now.

I started driving trucks 39 years ago and I ain't sixty yet

[GasoLane]

Originally Posted by 1TUFFUTE

And there is absolutely no reason why the govco can't nominate bulk billing for these elderly tests

As I mentioned before, bulk billing is up to the Doctor. The Gov can say please bulk bill, but they can't force them to

Originally Posted by 1TUFFUTE

as they allready have the funding for all pensioners and concession holders to bulk bill everything.

Are you saying that they have the funding but not using it, or that all Pensioners & Concession holders get bulk billed?

[Itsme]

Originally Posted by GasOLane

As I mentioned before, bulk billing is up to the Doctor. The Gov can say please bulk bill, but they can't force them to


Are you saying that they have the funding but not using it, or that all Pensioners & Concession holders get bulk billed?

You are quite correct in saying Doctors can bulk bill or not as it is their choice, but most doctors will bulk bill pensioners or concession car holders & bill normally for others.

My doctor does both type of billing, for me when I'm being treated for my particular health issue I'm bulked bill, for other issues I'm billed normally, go figure.

[GasoLane]

Originally Posted by trublu

You are quite correct in saying Doctors can bulk bill or not as it is their choice, but most doctors will bulk bill pensioners or concession car holders & bill normally for others.

My doctor does both type of billing, for me when I'm being treated for my particular health issue I'm bulked bill, for other issues I'm billed normally, go figure.

You must be one of the lucky ones, I pay full price.

[Itsme]

Nearly forgot to mention but my medication for a year costs about $3,000, this might be the reason I get bulked billed as I have to have regular check ups.

[malazn mafia]

Originally Posted by Big Damo

License test is a joke bro, just make sure before you turn you check rear vision mirror, indicate, slow down then gear down (if driving manual) in that exact order and you'll be fine lol.

Don't run yellows and stop at stop signs, and go out to Kyneton or Sunbury for the test lol.

If only license tests include:

80kph down a gravel road
Evasive driving:
- Avoid a stationary object in middle of road at 60kph.
- Emergency stop.
- Regain traction on a wet road
Overtaking a b-double in a safe manner
Navigate or reverse a car through a difficult blind spot
Navigate through at least 3 busy roundabouts
Safely execute a right hand turn through an intersection
Give way to pedestrians when turning left into intersection

There would be fewer drivers on the road and fewer accidents..

[1TUFFUTE]

Originally Posted by GasOLane

As I mentioned before, bulk billing is up to the Doctor. The Gov can say please bulk bill, but they can't force them to


Are you saying that they have the funding but not using it, or that all Pensioners & Concession holders get bulk billed?

I'm sure there's the odd exception where you'll find a doctor who ONLY cares about money and that's all......but my wife's been a doc surgery manager for many years and mixes with all sorts in the industry from all over the place.
I'd like to see how many docs don't bulk bill pensioners and concession card holders. I bet u could count on one hand the amount that don't.

So you can rationalize it how ever you want....but even if your unlucky enough to be an old fart that doesn't get BBd....that doesn't reflect on reality.
So yes as I said it would be very EASY to tag the topical test into the BBd list. That way most wouldn't pay anything.

And I too pay nearly 3grand a year just on meds....and despite being very lucky with bulk billing specialist....I have still forked out over 20k to specialist in the last 5ish years.

[Gypzy]

Originally Posted by malazn mafia

If only license tests include:

80kph down a gravel road
Evasive driving:
- Avoid a stationary object in middle of road at 60kph.
- Emergency stop.
- Regain traction on a wet road
Overtaking a b-double in a safe manner
Navigate or reverse a car through a difficult blind spot
Navigate through at least 3 busy roundabouts
Safely execute a right hand turn through an intersection
Give way to pedestrians when turning left into intersection

There would be fewer drivers on the road and fewer accidents..

Probably should add some type of limit on night driving as well.

[Cobra]

Originally Posted by LoudPipes

Again, Council’s design roads and sign off on approved design plans to the same design rules and construction principals as the RMS.

Minimum turning radiuses are determined by maximum vehicle speed limits.

Residential streets are not designed for large vehicles and never will be.

The construction and maintenance of local roads are already inadequately funded by rate payers and are designed for light traffic only, the cost to design them with trucks in mind would mean no seal residential streets.

It’s always been the case and always will be.

I see some of the roads in new housing estates and I think to myself "how on earth would anyone navigate a Land Rover Defender through here?".

[STINKY NINJA]

Everyone of all ages should be retested every couple of years,would keep most of the idiots/bad drivers off the roads,and the people doing the testing also need to be tested themselves too regularly,dont worry who pays for it,govt can use some of its cash usually wasted on road toll/deaths minimising ad campaigns etc,or use cash spent on govt end of year christmas parties,put the money to good use,then the ones who fail the tests can be deported or just shot.

[Trevor 57]

Originally Posted by Cobra

I see some of the roads in new housing estates and I think to myself "how on earth would anyone navigate a Land Rover Defender through here?".

it is all about getting as many rateable properties per square kilometre as they possibly can, access and egress are secondary