Comments on: Should Senior Citizens be Required to Pass Driving Tests? Is it Discrimination?

By: Paul

Paul — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 16:34:54 +0000

I think the most difficult part of re-testing seniors is dealing with the idea that if they fail, they lose a part of their independence; their ability to be mobile. But sometimes the need for keeping loved ones safe outweighs the need to stay in the driverâ€™s seat.
Katherine Freund, Founder and President of ITNAmerica, is currently discussing her own conversation with her parents about giving up their car keys. In this moving account in her own words, Freund takes us from the very beginning of how she started the conversation before it was to late, going through every step along the way until her parents transitioned to the passenger seat in a way that left everyone feeling good about the decision. Read her multi-part entries at her blog (http://blog.itnamerica.org/).

By: William Ward

William Ward — Sat, 09 Jan 2010 16:35:56 +0000

I do believe that Seniors should be tested to drive, just like everyone else. In fact, I think there should be a more extensive kind of test for those over 80.
My father was 82, blind in one eye with mild dimentia and weeak, unreliable legs and he was still driving. It wasn’t until the doctor ordered that he not drive any more that he finally gave up driving.
There comes a point where, even though we have to give up certain things, we just have to appreciate being here, even if it means not driving.

By: nancy

nancy — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 20:34:08 +0000

if the law truly states â€œprohibits discrimination by reason of age with regard to licensing” then a 12 year old could qualify. as for elderly drivers, exams would be beneficial every year after 75 years old. it isn’t any more age discrimination than the 15 year old permit. i have an 81 year old dad who stopped himself from driving for a while when he had some health issues. he is driving again and could pass any exam. my mom – who has dementia – had her license renewed through the mail! so, she can legally drive but would be a horrible hazard on the road and would not be able to pass an exam. who has a better legal and safety position?

By: Derrick

Derrick — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 21:11:16 +0000

Babette, I’m not sure what can be done about the driving exam, but if the issue is your father’s ability to get out of the house for medications, etc. there may be volunteer driving programs in your area. One such national program can be found here: http://www.itnamerica.org/

Good luck.

By: Babette

Babette — Sun, 14 Jun 2009 10:42:12 +0000

I’m voting for safety so I agree that there should be tests for seniors who are over 80 years old. Just this month, there are news reports every week of seniors in their 80s involved in accidents here in MA. If someone wants to continue driving, they have to prove that they are able to do so. When my dad reaches this age, I would be concerned about him driving for sure. I’m sure there are seniors in their 80s who are still capable of driving so they shouldn’t be worried about the tests.

By: Sue

Sue — Sun, 07 Jun 2009 22:31:20 +0000

I think that Seniors should give up driving if they have medical issues that affects their thinking. Or if they are on medications that make them have poor judgment, they should stop driving.

My mom gave up driving when we moved, she couldn’t find her way home when she went out driving. It was a blessing for sure.

Now she wants to buy a new car. I’m not cheering her on to get behind a wheel again, it’s too scary.

I think a driving test should start at 75.