How safe are you at driving

[SMG]

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.

[Kymmy]

In this house we have licences ranging from car, motorbike, HGV1, Racing and forklift (R&CB). We've both been vehicle testers at one of the main proving grounds.

You need to be aware of your driving.. too many go into automatic mode and just drive without thinking about it.. I pull up any mistakes she does and she does it to me and we listen to each other.

Middle lane hoggers. Say no more.