Driving Tests

[Rootster]

Had a discussion with my work colleagues...Really is our driving test to world standards....Does anyone know what you have to do in europe to obtain a drivers license...

Seeing some new p-platers on the road really makes you wonder how on earth did these people manage to get behind the wheel....

Saw a documentary from germany ....They have an obstacle course they have to do in reverse gear in a certain time.....Working as a mechanic in early 20's and watching people trying to reverse a small sedan through a double size roller door makes you wonder how many people would have to hand their license in...

What you all reckon....a 400m track and field track give them 10 minutes to complete it in reverse....how many people do you think would lose their licenses...my guess in sydney about 30% at least......How far do you think I'm off the mark...

Cheers Nick

[The_Bogan]

I agree mate!!

its pretty piss easy to get your licence these days. and I dont think that they are to world standards at all.

even though the driving test is meant to go for around an hour, I have heard a few stories of tests being passed and completed in 10 minutes.

back when I did my driving test (5 years ago) my test went for 45 minutes, though it was a pretty piss easy test.

maybe they could have thrown in something like you mentioned, but to set something like that up, maintain and operate it 5 days a week would cost the government a bit.

I guess it comes down to the examiner and what mood he/she is in as to how hard a test will be.

[Duffman]

its even easyer in nz, least you guys have to wait like 3 years b4 you get the full one, we can get ours in like 1 year lol

[Buf-Phoon]

Interesting topic. Back in the day when I was going for my licence in Qld basically all males were failed the first time regardless.

Obviously part revenue raising part ego deflation.

These days I believe that in addition to hours behind the wheel , a defensive and advanced driving course need to be completed and

passed prior to a comprehensive test on the road..

This should also be revisited on older drivers periodically. As a lifetime of bad driving habits

can be just as dangerous as youthful exuberance

[tab]

You mean there’s more to driving a potentially lethal weapon than a hill-start and a reverse park???

It’s an absolute farkin joke really. My real driving training was guiding a beat-up old landrover from as soon as I could reach the pedals around the paddock as fast as you could without hitting anything and copping a clip over the ear from the old man, not a multiple guess questionnaire and a quick lap of the block.

[The_Bogan]

I just had a brainfart....

I know it would probably cost a bit but..

for the younger crowd who are looking at owning a high powered car, get them to do a defensive driving course in say a typhoon or a clubsport. or some other high powered car.

and making them pass different scenarios... with a score of no less than 90%.

and they could also make it that they cant register or drive a high powered car until they complete the course

[Buf-Phoon]

Big difference in the power cars were making years ago, hence a far better skill set that is now required.

300+ rwkw before age 21 after graduating from a 4 cylinder is something that should be looked into further.

To easy to get them out of shape.Tutored track days are a real eye opener for all drivers and would benefit all ages

in understanding the car , drivers limits and ability to control unexpected situations.

The road is not the place to find out

[Rootster]

this isn't just about the young....see more ethinic people struggling with just the basics of driving....frightened to see them trying to drive a 300+ kw car.

[Buf-Phoon]

it's also about us oldies staying up to speed as well. Complacency is also a major issue.

What is the process of converting an international drivers licence to a state licence ?

Is a test required ? For example driving in Asia requires a far different approach than Australia.

I shat myself, easier to get a scooter or a cab

[ZAP]

If governments were even remotely interested in saving lives, they would do something about the pathetic standards of drivers on our roads.

The 3 things I would do to improve drivers and road users:

1. Mandatory license tests every 5 years. You do a knowladge test, then 5 years later a driving test and then 5 years later another knowladge test. This would ensure people knew how to steer and also knew the road rules.

2. ANPR (Automatic Number plate recognition) used everywhere to stop stolen, unlicensed, unregistered and uninsured drivers. Anyone caught driving unrego/unlicensed would have their car impounded for the first offence (and be forced to rego/license themselves before they can get it back) and if caught again the car is crushed.

3. Standard National rules for drivers, roadrules and registration.

The above 3 items would remove all the crappy cars, make people know the rules and be able to handle a car much better than they are now.

The problem with the enforcement of the rules above is it does not make much money for the government, they would rather reduce the road toll by booking us for speeding.