I've just received a letter from the DVLA saying I must renew my driving licence because I am a 'crumbly' of almost 73. I wish that was a spam and I was a lot younger . At least, it's free to renew.
I'm not sure how long I will continue to drive, but for now my heath is OK and my eyesight is good.
------------- Two drifters off to see the world.
I'm tired of reality, so I'm off to look for a good fantasy.
The only people who treat us as old & feeble are those who are much younger. We know how it feels to be in our 70s & it feels much better than younger people think it actually is. What it feels like to me is a permanent holiday.
I hear the powers that be are thinking of introducing re-testing for the over 70's before they can continue driving. Personally I think it's a good idea.
I spent most of my working life as a professional driver of all vehicle groups both at home and abroad. having to renew every 5 years, yet I will be the first to admit that today's traffic requires a much faster reaction time than what most wrinklies will admit to possessing.
Unless there are no alternatives, I try to limit my driving to half a mile to the shop, or three miles to the surgery.
Were it not for the fact that there are no buses that accept concessionary passes serving my rural village, I'd happily give up driving.
------------- Knowledge is recognising that a tomato is a fruit: experience is not putting it in a fruit salad.
I am 71 and drive our cars and tow the van,we are in France at the moment!
English issue bus passes are only valid in England.
I renewed my license at 70. I did it online its free. I had the new one back in a week, then cut up,the old one and sent it to DVLA.
I lost the right to drive vehicles over 3500kg and certain minibuses.( Not an issue). This requires a medical certificate. I can drive a car and trailer up to 8250 kg which is a big outfit.
I kept my full motorbike license, but I doubt I would ride one.
Post last edited on 09/07/2023 17:33:24
------------- DS-There's more to life than football!!!
I mentioned BMW a AUDI drivers because they don't understand that speed limits and other rules of the road do apply to them the same as other road users. I do say sorry to them when they pass me at 60 mph in a 30 limit or cut me up on motorways and A roads. I really should brake hard and leave them plenty of room. I was cut up on the M6 yesterday while I was towing back from Lancaster. I was doing the 60 mph limit the BMW driver passed me doing at least 90 mph and nearly took the front end off my car. He was turning left for a junction. I braked very hard so I didn't hit him. He just made the junction but had to go onto the lined triangle kicking dust and all sorts of rubbish that collects in those no areas.
I'm still wondering whether to renew my PSV licence if I can. I let it lapse 2 years ago after the Covid pandemic, as I thought I'd never drive a bus again. If I do I still won't have a CPC so I won't be able to carry passengers, but I'll still be able to move Heritage buses from place to place, go to rallies etc. I'm 74 and I still tow our caravan and I still drive diesel trains on a Heritage Railway. I've certainly no intention of giving up either of them anytime soon. I'll have to have a medical to get my PSV back, but then I have to have a medical on the railway every year anyway.
Quote: Originally posted by Mrs. Bonce on 09/7/2023
I thought that bus passes were accepted everywhere?
The service buses with registered routes do, but where there are only 'Demand Responsive Buses' you have to first book a day in advance and then pay.They do not accept passes (and get very few passengers)
------------- Knowledge is recognising that a tomato is a fruit: experience is not putting it in a fruit salad.
Driving is much easier & safer nowadays because cars are so much better. Try driving a 1961 Hillman Minx around a wet bend. Any inattention & you were meeting yourself coming the other way. My driving is absolutely fine. I will give up my car when they pry it from my cold dead fingers.
I seriously doubt they will bring in tests for over 70s. They cannot get enough driving examiners as it is. New drivers are waiting months for tests.
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