Should senior drivers take a yearly driving test?

[johnvon23]

I believe they should. It's for their own safety ....

[lbryanwf]

That kind of thinking makes an idiotic assumption about a certain group of people.  There actually was a study done on this that showed younger people actually cause the greatest amount of accidents. Seniors behave differently than younger people on the road. For instance they are less likely to drive during hazardous times ( weather, traffic, etc) and  they excercise better judgement about those types of things than do younger people. My suggestion is before you go shooting off at the mouth about a subject, research it, and produce your reference to claim credibility on a subject..here's mine:    

 http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/07/070719115903.htm

[jkhanson]

I am not sure there is a certain SENIOR AGE that people should reach before they are required to pass the driver's test.  People age differently.  Today's 65 year old is different than they were years ago.

Seniors in their 70s and 80s are the ages that I have seen that make me think they should have to pass the driver's tests yearly.

[amstewart]

Yes, as a safety precaution.
I am only 36, but wear glasses.  If my eyes change I should have to prove I can still see well enough to drive, so should anyone else.
I'm all for independence and personal rights, as long as it isn't a safety issue.

[ship1015]

yes i think after a certain age they should have to retake their drivers test.

[ancmetro]

    With high fuel prices, some do not even drive anymore!

[ptfunds]

I am 61 this year and based on myself I would say that age 70 is a good year to start yearly driving tests.  I think once sight and reaction times are starting to get negotiated then it is time to make sure that each driver is safe both for themselves and others.  This is a great topic and something I have been thinking about for quite a few years.  thanks for bringing it up!

[hvnlydevil]

That kind of thinking makes an idiotic assumption about a certain group of people.

Than call me an idiot. Teens may cause more accidents-but someone passed them on a test recently. I have known a number of drivers who held onto the freedom of a drivers license for longer than they should have because decades ago someone gave them that freedom. What's the harm in retesting? Safer roads?!?

[marcar1008]

I think seniors should get a doctors approval for driving. I am VERY concerned for my dad. He loves to drive, but sometimes I feel like it is not safe for him to drive anymore. I know it's hard for him to stay at home, but my sister lives close by and she does take them (mom and dad) out sometimes to do their shopping or errands.

[HDresch16]

Yes, I believe after a surtain age they should have to. It is for their own saftly and everyone else driving.  I would say 75-80 is/would be a good age to make them retake the tests.

[mgint]

teenage drivers cause more accidents than older should they be tested every year as well

[pjlicari17]

That is a tough question.  Unfortunately it can only be answered by the individual.  Well, a reasonable one anyway.  There should be a age retake for drivers though.  It actually becomes more of an entire another issue though!  To give up on their independence and admit to the world that they can no longer "do it" may be very traumatic to say the least!  Of course, if they kill someone that would be far worse!  So a retest for some may be exactly what is needed.   

[rghvac69]

Hopefully when I become a seasoned citizen I will have enough money to hire somebody to drive me around.

[Gerianne]

Definitely - yes. I used to be a caregiver and went to seminars for elderly caregivers.
Some of the main stories are about driving.
I'll always remember one story in particular about a senior who had Alzheimer's and was still driving; the senior accidentally drove onto the railroad tracks [not across].
The other stories are cooking accidents seniors have had.

[bretay]

I think they should.Everybody over a certain age should.There are many older ones that I have seen that do not watch what they are doing.Failing eyesight,reflexes and hearing.It happens to all of us.An older gentleman hit my sil the other day.The man was running late for a dr appt.My sil got out to check on the man and make sure he was ok.When my sil turned to check his truck the gentleman got into his vehicle and left.Now thay are gonna charge him with hit and run.He is in his 70's.Definitely need a yearly road test.