Testing times ahead for older drivers

ALL drivers have at one time or another been caught behind an elderly motorist seemingly with no clue where they’re going nor a desire to get there any time soon.

We’ve all laughed at stories of pensioners popping to the shops only to end up hundreds of miles from home and gasped at tales of the likes of 82-year-old Sam Campbell, who walked away unscathed after careering over an embankment into the reception of Danderhall Leisure Centre last November.

More and more elderly drivers are climbing behind the wheel each year, with more than one million drivers over the age of 80 on the roads in UK.

Now there are calls for pensioners to undertake refresher driving courses to sharpen their skills, however, the government advice is that a police officer, a GP or a relative would have to recommend they sign up for such a programme.

Road safety charity the Institute of Advanced Motorists has welcomed the proposal. Neil Greig, its director of policy and research, said: “Older drivers should view refresher courses as a check-up and not a penalty. I’m very much in favour of this proposal. Rather than prevent elderly motorists from driving we should look to make them aware of the risks they face on our roads.”

So it seems rather than showing older drivers a permanent red light, they should be made to pause at amber before being allowed to progress to green.

But how do you think you’d do if you had to resit your test? Try out ten theory test questions, as supplied Driving Standards Agency, which would-be drivers currently have to answer.

TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE

1) Accidents (handling)

You arrive at the scene of a motorcycle accident. The rider is injured. When should the helmet be removed?

A. Only when it is essential

B. Always straight away

C. Only when the motorcyclist asks

D. Always, unless they are in shock

2) Rules of the road

What is the nearest you may park to a junction?

A. 10 metres (32 feet)

B. 12 metres (39 feet)

C. 15 metres (49 feet)

D. 20 metres (66 feet)

3) Safety and your vehicle/motorcycle (environment)

Before starting a journey it is wise to plan your route. How can you do this?

A. Look at a map

B. Contact your local garage

C. Look in your vehicle handbook

D. Check your vehicle registration document

4) Road and traffic signs

In some narrow residential streets you may find a speed limit of?

A. 20mph

B. 25mph

C. 35mph

D. 40mph

5) Vulnerable road users

You see a pedestrian with a dog. The dog has a yellow or burgundy coat. This especially warns you that the pedestrian is:

A. Elderly

B. Dog training

C. Colour blind

D. Deaf

6) Alertness

Your mobile phone rings while you are travelling. You should:

A. Stop immediately

B. Answer it immediately

C. Pull up in a suitable place

D. Pull up at the nearest kerb

7) Attitude

‘Tailgating’ means:

A. Using the rear door of a hatchback car

B. Reversing into a parking space

C. Following another vehicle too closely

D. Driving with rear fog lights on

8) Safety and your vehicle/motorcycle (environment)

‘Red routes’ in major cities have been introduced to:

A. Raise the speed limits

B. Help the traffic flow

C. Provide better parking

D. Allow lorries to load more freely

9) Hazard awareness (impairment)

A driver pulls out of a side road in front of you. You have to brake hard.

A. You should ignore the error and stay calm

B. Flash your lights to show your annoyance

C. Sound your horn to show your annoyance

D. Overtake as soon as possible

10) Vulnerable Road Users

You are turning left into a side road. What hazards should you be especially aware of?