A re-launched driving skills appraisal service here on the Isle of Wight aims to help older motorists drive safer for longer.
Older drivers have a wealth of experience, confidence and tolerance. However, sight, hearing, reaction time and judgement of speed and distance may not be as sharp as they once were. This often leads to road traffic incidents.
The Older Driver Skills Appraisal is a confidential and enjoyable appraisal of driving skills for Island drivers aged 60 and over. It takes around 60 minutes and is conducted in the driver’s own car with an Approved Driving Instructor (ADI). ADIs will be charging £50 for an appraisal.
It is not a test but an informal appraisal which offers help and advice to enable the person to continue driving for longer – with improved safety.
Rob Heard, chair of the Older Drivers Forum, explains:
“We all pick up bad habits, and undertaking a voluntary driving appraisal is a great way to brush up on your skills and carry on driving safely for longer.
“When was the last time someone appraised your driving? It’s fun and can really build your confidence, give it a go!”
Chris Bridger is among the 1st to take part in the re-launched service. He said:
“You’re never too old to learn. Motoring has changed over the years, and it was a good opportunity to improve my knowledge and driving skills to avoid complacency.
“The appraisal provided peace of mind for me and my family, and I would encourage others to book an appraisal for themselves.”
Lewis Campbell, the council’s road safety officer, said it was important to enter older age with as many good, safe driving habits as possible.
” An appraisal drive looks at a person’s physical changes in a positive light.
“After the review, they will receive feedback on their skills and a written account of the session, which includes any suggestions for improvement.
“It is a completely personal report, and is shared with no one else. The whole session is conducted in a relaxed and informal manner.”
For more information and to book an older driver skills appraisal, visit the council’s website. Alternatively, a paper version of the form can be requested from [email protected].
Please note that if you have a diagnosed medical condition that impacts on your driving, this appraisal service may not be suitable and we recommend that you arrange an assessment via a Driving Mobility Centre. They can provide a specialist service that caters to your needs and medical condition/s.
should be compulsory
I wouldn’t stress too much as the island will have a 20mph blanket speed limit within a few years to mimic Wales and now Cornwall.
We can all bumble about and not worry about driving capability..
Also they want all vehicles off the road by 2030
Sado Khan is the Chairman of C40
Do you know what ?????
Some people/or know it alls ….
Forget they maybe lucky enough to get older !!!!??? One day !!!
Yes in theory it is a good idea! But in reality who can afford £50 to be told they are OK or crap ????
The only 1 laughing is the instructor ….
Not really a confidence boost !!!!!
“Do you know what ?????”… What ????
“who can afford £50”
what,.. half the cost of a tank of fuel?…. most people who can afford to drive could
& lets face it,… the majority of people of that age who drive, drive newish cars,..
so £50 every, say 5 years, vs 10s of 1000s every few years for a new / upgraded car…
& if (as it is claimed) this type of assesment helps to prevent accidents,.. How about the cost of it discounted from your insurance premium if you do it,..
You can’t be serious? Those that genuinely need an appraisal are not going to go!
The driving test is supposed to be harder than it was when I took it. But the new drivers I see are awful. I’m not talking about speeding either, quite the opposite. Hesitant and slow and seemingly unable to control their vehicle. I was behind one the other day, I thought it was grandma, until I saw her twenty something face. Older people of course need to be realistic about their driving but many face a stark choice given the availability of public transport. Many are perfectly good drivers and those that are not, probably already know it.
Great start but definitely should be compulsory.
Who pays the highest insurance premiums? The young.
Insurance statistics says it all.
Ironic that some older drivers blame the youth for their driving when actually there are some appalling older drivers on this Island. Forget the appraisal, they need to have their licence taken away.
There’s good and bad across all ages…
You better not get old then !!!!!
Look further than the end of your nose !!!!!!
Good and bad in all walks of life……
Yes agreed but older just aren’t safe.sight..reactions…what or even how too even manage certain manovers….
Slower all round but yet many who’s eyesight is shit STILL can carry on.never right
I suppose you are a perfect driver ( self assessed) you too will grow old one day and then you’ll be called an appalling old driver,it’s just a label but not a nice one.There are many older drivers that could teach younger drivers a few tricks.
Should be a theory test re-take every ten years irrespective of age and if you fail are bumped back to a provisional licence. Doing this will give a chance to have your reactions, attitudes and sight checked.
Totally agree it should cover all ages and then like it was with tax discs, a “pass” should be displayed in the car window for all to see…
Make it obvious for those that have no licence and consequently no valid insurance, (usually confined these days to younger drivers)
Should be by law.menace some old buggers. No need for all red thumb brigade …..ITS TRUE .they are dangerous and are not fit
If I am supposedly fit and able to work until I am 68 (and that may be extended) then that is the earliest I would consider my driving capabilities!
Very well put
I quote. “ITS TRUE .they are dangerous and are not fit” and add, to use a keyboard….
So why don’t you take the appraisal and show us you’re perfect results….
Good and bad in all age’s..
60? We have to work until 67.