Now you all know from my various postings on here which side to the fence I am on!
We have always regarded driving our cars as a privilege rather than a right. My wife and the rest of her family had to prove to their parents that they they were capable and had earned the privilege before financial help was given towards lessons. She had to fully service a rally car against the clock and with running commentary for her Papa before he went out racing in it. She also had to do similar exercise whilst out as passenger with her Papa - explain why he had selected which gear, and where the potential hazards were etc, etc. But then - family of enthusiasts and she had grown up in atmosphere of car rallies and races. Does help!
Would like to see UK L-test brought up to German standard which does include compulsory drive on motorway or similar type road if miles away for the A/bahn, and night drive in pre-test lessons.
Their written test does include car mechanics (to be introduced into UK theory next year - so I understand from purchasing latest "Pass Your Test" DVD for the kids! Basic understanding of a car's engine does at least give some insight into the "feel" of the car. So perhaps going little bit further in right direction - but as beermatt points out - lack of motorway training at L- stage and "Pass Plus" being only optional at the moment is not good enough!
Germany, as I am led to understand from our petrolheads over there, is currently looking at driving test again, as like here - licenced until age 70. They are thinking of going the French way and increasing probationer period and introducing assessment and medicals for 65 year olds. They also claim problems with those pre-reunification "Ossies"
At the moment - we have "Speed Awareness" courses of differing standards. Gatsobait has mentioned the Thames Valley one - which has two levels - "Hazard Perception" game for the 31-35mph-ers and one more like the current Lancs one for the severe speedsters. Except that the Lancs one targets 31-35mph only - but after numerous protests appear to be climbing down a bit and will offer course to 37mph if there are places left! So take that as meaning 33-34mph-ers will get stern letter they are talking about instead???????
Now I have found out a little more about this course from people in area who have had their invites!
They spend 3 hours on hazard perception where SHOCK! the people giving the talk and advice - talk about ...da da daaaaaah!...
C O A S T!!!!!!!!! And how applying C O A S T saves lives! Speeding, it seems, when asked - only featured as
"Do you know how many people get hurt at 35mph?"
They do not use BiBs at all - but ADI - Driving Instructors and RoSPA folks.
So! Perhaps we could encourage assessments via ADIs as refresher courses every 5 years, with grades as incentive. Higher the grade - better the insurance discount as carrot.
And most certainly - make everyone - whether they drive a car or not - take a test on the Highway Code and Road signs!
Now - Golf Course awaits!