I’m sure we have all seen them out there, getting in the wrong lane, not signalling when they are leaving the roundabout, but why?
I’m convinced it’s because people have either forgotten how to drive correctly or more probably, it’s because the rules of the road have changed over the years but drivers are not up-to date with them.
I know that when I was a driver out on the road before I became a driving instructor, I was very good, at least that was my own opinion of myself. When I started to train to become a driving instructor a number of years ago now, I realised how much had changed since I learnt to drive and how bad I was.
Yes I admit I was not a good driver but at the time I believed I was. I’m convinced that this statement must be true for many, many thousands of drivers out there on the roads right now!
So what’s the answer to this dilemma - well what about compulsory retesting of drivers every 10 years!
Probably won’t happen but why not, would it not ultimately make our roads safer, cut down the number of deaths on the roads - and drivers might actually signal correctly on roundabouts!!
19/04/2010 at 06:17 pm
Compulsory retesting would create too much havoc in the economy. Imagine bus drivers, policemen etc all losing their lisences if they failed the re test. Would cost business too much money. All we can do is train the future generations as best we can and hope for the best.
06/01/2011 at 09:37 pm
Interesting proposition, but I honestly don’t believe that compulsory re-testing will necessarily solve this problem. As an Approved Driving Instructor (ADI) Trainer, I regularly witness instructors giving incorrect instruction when it comes to signalling, saying things such as, “only signal to move off if there is someone to benefit” or “never signal to pass parked vehicles”, “always signal when changing lanes”.
ADIs generally like to teach rules to keep things simple, but signalling is not a simple issue. What we need to do is to create THINKING drivers - those who question if and when a signal is necessary, rather than look to follow a set pattern.
Until all ADIs follow this principle, compulsory re-testing to solve the signalling issue is futile.
I have written a lengthy blog post on my website about this very subject, but I am not here to spam your blog to promote my own - I am sure people can find it for themselves if they want to read it!
Keep up with the blog - I like to read views from other people in the industry!
Kind regards,
Ged
28/06/2011 at 06:01 pm
Many drivers are lazy and have ‘ can’t be bothered’. Sadly that can be very danderous for everyone and the only way around that is by police to be vigilant and refer these drivers for a re-test.
19/07/2011 at 04:44 pm
Good question and one that every driver would agree with. The problem is we as humans are too busy even for our selves and to an extent that we are happy to risk our lives. So whats the answer ? We need strick enforcements.
13/09/2011 at 04:19 pm
Not signalling when due is really bad driving and unfortunately these drivers are not going to change their habbits unless police start enfocing law and penalise these drivers.
http://www.drivingpianolessonsnelson.co.uk/driving-lessons-accrington