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Improving Road Safety by overhauling our Driving Standards.

I can't imagine I'm the only one out there that thinks the general standard of driving has really hit rock bottom in recent years?


I know, I know, everyone thinks, 'sure my driving is fine, nothing wrong with my driving'. Tell that to or Student Drivers and our Dashcams! I and I'm sure everyone who drives almost all day, every day has had an experience and a story about something they've seen that has totally blown their minds. How many Dashcam videos have you seen that have made you shake your head?


Hell, I had a student about 10 days ago, on their 3rd lesson, and an Amazon Driver overtook us on the right in a residential street then turned left while we were also turning left. Trust me, when I see that driver again, and I know who she is, she will be getting a piece of my mind.


Stories aside, there is a massive issue with driving standards in general and it would be fair to say that any driver just passed their test is probably better educated and prepared for life on the roads and safe driving standards than almost everyone else. The big problem, as I see it is, that there is no checks and balances of driving standards after a driving test is passed and this is a problem that I think needs addressed in a big way.


I'm not saying that we all need to be retested by any stretch of the imagination. What I am saying is that we all need to have over driving checked every once in a while so we can make sure the standards are the same for all. If you passed your test in the early 80's you're not going to drive the same as a person who has passed their test in the last 4 or 5 years. The rules and safety considerations have changed enormously and just because you have a lot of experience doesn't necessarily mean your a safe and competent driver.


So here's my idea...

Every 5 years or so we should all have to be reassessed. Not by the DVA, and not to the extent that we could have our license revoked. What I am talking about is a system that would reward good, road safety focused driving and skill with something that would benefit the driver and incentivise us to improve how we behave behind the wheel.


As Driving Instructors it is our job and in our training to be able to spot the issues some of us might have and advise accordingly. So...

  • Spend 1-2hrs with an instructor to allow for the appraisal.

  • Use that appraisal to understand your weaknesses and attempt to improve upon them.

  • Revisit that Instructor 4 weeks after the appraisal to see how you driving has improved.

  • That appraisal then works with the Insurance Industry to create a format for a percentage discount structure for your Insurance Premium for the next 5 years.

  • Minor Traffic Offenses can form the basis of a need to revisit the appraisal scheme with an Instructor as and when required.


It might come across as a bit radical but I am willing to bet that most of us wouldn't feel confident if we had to sit a Driving Test again tomorrow without any training to work out the kinks and mistakes we all know we are guilty of making.


I am positive that something like this will help, reduce road deaths, reduce incidents of dangerous driving and maintain a higher level of driving standard for everyone.

Obviously updating current road legislation and the highway code to take modern driving technology and practices into consideration would also need to happen so we are not working with some parts of that system that date back to the 50's.


I don't for a second think that this will be popular but I do think it is something that need a looking at!


Improving Road Safety and Driving Standards in Northern Ireland and the UK
We all don't need to drive like we're in hyperspace!

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