Some light-hearted news today: last year’s oldest test-taker was a formidable 91-year old man from Sussex.
For all those young learners who complain that driving is hard, think how difficult it must be for him! Due to the Data Protection Act, no-one knows who this mysterious gentleman is – or even if he was successful or not – but points must be awarded for even attempting to take his test.
Surprisingly, though, he’s not alone. More than 500 over-50s took their driving test last year, with 13 of those being over 71. Two 88-year olds also took their practical tests.
The number of older drivers taking their tests is partly due to changes in lifestyle – many will have had a partner or child who drove them around, and who is no longer there. These people must now find their own way – and especially in rural areas with limited public transport, driving is often the only answer.
There is also the fact that after the age of 70, the DSA and DVLA require all drivers to re-sit their test, to make sure they are still fit to drive. This could explain the number of drivers at around the 70-71-year mark taking their tests.
For our 91-year old, though, it’s a daunting experience – due in no small part to the fact that he probably didn’t even take a test when he learned to drive. The practical test was only introduced in 1930 – before then you simply applied for (and were granted) a licence. So despite having about 70 years’ experience, this is the first time he’ll take a practical driving test.
Driving has changed such a lot in recent years, the practical test is barely recognisable as the test many of these drivers took first time around.
Now, with increased numbers of cars on the road, increased speeds, more congestion and a host of new laws and regulations, anyone considering re-taking their test should be commended. And let it be a lesson to all learner drivers out there – if you think it’s hard at 19, spare a thought for those doing it at 91.
