It might not be a popular opinion, but we could all be better off taking a driving test every 10 years.* Even if it’s not the very definition of fun, doing so could make our driving interactions calmer, our roads safer – and perhaps even score a discount on our insurance premiums.
Here’s what it might look like: Every decade we get a reminder and book in, we take a quick practical driving test to show we can get around without causing a multi-car pileup, and we answer a few questions about what’s legal and what’s not. Most would pass. Those who don’t would take a quick refresher course before getting back on the road – maybe a little sheepish, but significantly safer.
And if you think about it, there are a few big reasons we’d all be better off with a driving test every decade…
Bad habits can develop
It’s easy to assume our driving gets better with experience, but the opposite can also be true. Naturally, we were all on our best behaviour when we started driving practice as teens, but those perfect test-ready habits may have slipped somewhat as our confidence has grown. Just think of the drivers you’ve seen who are less than precise when it comes to speeding, entering roundabouts, running red lights or tailgating. Let’s face it – some gentle shaming might be good for those who think indicating is optional!
Even those of us who pride ourselves on our good driving could probably benefit from a refresher. UNSW Sydney, together with Neuroscience Research Australia (NeuRA) recently ended a year-long study focused on drivers over 65. While the full results aren’t out yet, the pilot study found that driving lessons and video feedback helped to move a significant number of drivers from unsafe to safe drivers. Driving errors were also reduced. Turns out, you can teach an experienced driver new tricks.
Road rules get updated
Do you know all of the road rule amendments of the past 10 years? Nope, me neither. Now consider all the rules that might have changed if you got your licence 20, 30 or 40 years ago. We think nothing of ongoing professional development to stay current in our careers – so why not do the same with our driving?
The Australian Road Rules were first implemented in 1999 and have been regularly updated ever since, each time shaping the laws in each state and territory. There have been a few big changes lately; including bigger penalties for mobile phone use, and the need to slow down to 40 km/hr when passing a stationary emergency vehicle. A refresher driving test every 10 years could be the perfect way for everyone to stay up to date and on the right side of the law.
Our vision can change
We’re not about ageism or ableism here. It’s just a fact of life that our vision changes with time. Did you know that over 13 million Aussies report having one or more long-term eye conditions? And that around 93% of people aged 65 and over are affected by long-term eye conditions? Yet 35% of us in Australia don’t get our eyes regularly checked – and more than one in 10 have never had an eye test!
Driving tests typically include an assessment for visual acuity and visual fields, and some states and territories already require drivers to get their vision tested past certain ages. A universal driving test every decade could help make sure that all drivers on the road are wearing suitable visual aids if they need them. Then, there’s even less excuse for backing into that shopping trolley.
It could be entertaining – and equalising
Sure, it’s not the most robust reason to implement semi-regular driving tests. But imagine the relentless ribbing you could give your friend or spouse if they fail their test after holding their licence for years. It could also keep us all humble on the highway of life. There’s nothing to say a CEO or mining magnate won’t fail, while their waiter might pass with flying colours. It doesn’t matter whether you drive a Maserati or a reliable second-hand car. It’s egalitarian – just the way we like it!
So there it is. A simple proposal that could bring the zen back to our roads and potentially even save lives. If nothing else, it’ll give us all a rush of youthful adrenaline every decade as the driving examiner walks our way.
