The spies who came in from the old
In view of the number of suggestions appearing in the press that older drivers should be banned, or made to take a further test, you may be interested to know that Hampshire County Council runs a very good voluntary Older Driver Assessment Scheme, whereby the driver pays £25 for approximately an hours assessment by a volunteer retired Police Driver or DVLA Examiner, over a route chosen by and known to the driver, at the end of which any faults are discussed, and the driver advised whether or not he is driving to a safe and acceptable standard. This is followed by a confirmation letter, but NO report is made to the DVLA. Any further action is up to the conscience of the driver. I took such an assessment 2 years ago, found it very helpful (being of the age where I never passed a test, having obtained my licence whilst serving in the Army). I certainly intend to take another assessment in the Autumn, before my licence is due for renewal.
Asked on 29 August 2009 by
![](http://images.honestjohn.co.uk/imagecache/file/pad/120x120/media/16477727/537450_458533677529584_1473549666_n.jpg)
The Hampshire County Council voluntary Older Driver Assessment Scheme is a very sensible idea, because it is unintimidating. Hats off to Hants for doing it.
Similar questions
![](http://images.honestjohn.co.uk/imagecache/file/pad/75x75/media/16477727/537450_458533677529584_1473549666_n.jpg)
In poor visibility one morning last October, I ran over a temporary traffic lights sign lying, almost invisible, in the mud on a narrow country road. It sprang up and damaged my car. My insurers arranged...
![](http://images.honestjohn.co.uk/imagecache/file/pad/75x75/media/16477727/537450_458533677529584_1473549666_n.jpg)
MO says her son lost control of his car on polished cobbles on the approach to a roundabout. Assuming this is a local authority maintained road she should contact the Highways Department and ask: What...
![](http://images.honestjohn.co.uk/imagecache/file/pad/75x75/media/16477727/537450_458533677529584_1473549666_n.jpg)
I have fallen foul of one of Croydon's many enforcement cameras. It is alleged that I “stopped on a restricted bus stop / stand”. The bus stop has a single wide yellow line. I did stop to set down a passenger...