Aged Assessments
Once our parents and grandparents reach the age of 85, they are required to do a driving test every two years. They would have already been providing a letter from their doctor for the past few years stating they were fit to drive. But now at the age of 85 a driving test is required.
So, what’s involved.
As their 85 birthday approaches, they will receive a letter from the RMS outlining what is required. This often stresses our elderly quite a bit, as they now fear having to go through a “test” after often decades of safe driving.
The good news is that’s it’s not a complicated process. The test lasts about 15 minutes, and is only a basic test to make sure that they drive safely and don’t break any road rules.
The most common fail items are:
- Not stopping fully at a stop sign, or stopping after the line
- Not stopping at an Amber light where they could have safely stopped
- Failing to give way to other vehicles correctly.Like misjudging at an intersection or roundabout.
It goes without saying that these are errors that we are all guilty of at times, and is easily done
The test does not involve any of the technical testing that our teenagers go through, such as reverse parallel parking and 3 point turns.
The aged assessment can be conducted by any RMS testing centre, or by an accredited driving school. Taking the test at the RMS is generally free of charge, but if done with a driving instructor it varies but is usually $100, which includes the test and submission of results to the RMS. Often its money well spent, as it seems to be a lot less official than that with a testing officer from the RMS. However, in saying that the RMS examiners are very friendly and professional people and are there to look after and support our older drivers.
JD Driver Training is NOT accredited to conduct these assessments at this stage, but I can easily refer you to reputable providers.
Cheers
Jamie Davis
For any further information feel free to contact me:
Email: info@jddrivertraining.com.au
Ph: 0414491185