Cable Forum - How safe are you at driving

Some excellent & truthful posts there. After I left the forces, I trained as a Driving Test Examiner.

I too have advanced driving certificates for all road going vehicles, from bikes to artics. I have tested wannabee tractor drivers, digger operators, tracked vehicle operators, you name it, all except pushbikes. A few years ago, I would consider myself to be competent, but as the years go by, I see myself making mistakes, the odd wheel kerbing, poor positioning etc, nothing bad, but I know I`m going downhill & all my experience wont stop it.

I`m 62. I was one of the first Examiners who pressed for, & was trained for the modern Motor Cycle "Pursuit" test, I was also one who, with others of course, pressed for an "Assessment" of all drivers over 65. Not a test, an assessment.

Years ago, I asked my Father to stop driving, it was very hard thing to do, but he was unsafe. He traded his licence in for a bus pass. I hope my son will do the same to me should I become unsafe.

I once tested a guy who was 70 years old, he hadn't renewed his licence so he was ordered to take a test, he took me round a 35 min test route in just over 15 mins, kerbed it, 45 in a 30 area, N/S/R wheel on the pavement whilst reversing, you name it. I knocked him with 2 "D`s". He made an official complaint, he said that he had been driving 50 years without an accident, & I failed him unfairly. He was given a free re-test with the senior examiner. The test was terminated "In the interest of public safety".

He considered himself to be an excellent, safe driver.