[Kenswing]

Originally Posted by KRMACK55

When was it changed to 10 yrs? I got my license in 2019 and it was 8 years.

Did you come from another state? When we got ours they told us that ours expired 10 years from the time our current licenses were issued in our old state.

[pgettinger01]

I think FL gives a ten (10) year license. So if you are tested and pass at 80 years old you are OK until 90 years old.

[scottiesrgreat@gmail.com]

Originally Posted by newgirl

It is a shame that this is the largest retirement community yet have no public transportation for folks that shouldn't drive. I am sure 95% would stop if they had a affordable option( and no, not everyone is wealthy here).

I would not use public transportation.

[noslices1]

Originally Posted by Chellybean

Yesterday I was on Buena vista traveling north in the right lane Biking.
Her comes a car going south in the left lane of the North bound two lanes going the wrong way.
I start screaming at this person your going the wrong way. The best I could tell, it was a older lady in her 80's plus barely able to look over the dash. I pulled over, looked back as she was going the wrong way in to the round about, OMG!!!
Thank God the person in the Blue SUV slammed on his brakes as she turned left into one of the villages. Also a state body utility truck almost broad sided her as well and slammed on the brakes as everyone else coming into the round about did. I think she was oblivious to what was happening.
HMMMMM no one wants there freedom taken away but this lady almost cause injury to 4 vehicle and there passengers UGGHHHHHH

Maybe she just had to get home fast cause she had to pee and that extra 5 seconds to get around the roundabout was just too much. In 11 years here, I’ve never seen anyone in the wrong lane except for the people who make left turns in the roundabouts from the right lanes.

[NoMoSno]

Originally Posted by GrumpyOldMan

Sadly, yes, it is true.

And yes, age can be a factor in not being able to drive safely. But it is the "not being ABLE to" that is the problem,. whether you are 17 or 87, if you are able to drive safely, then we can start discussing if you are responsible and safe behind a wheel.

But, people do age differently from each other and we need a way to screen out people that are unable to drive safely. One step could be testing more frequently as you get older. 10, 8, 6, 4, 2, and then every year. Maybe starting at 60, 78, 84, 88, 90, 91, 92, etc.

No, every 10 years is not true.
Renewal is every 8 years.
Every 6 years after 79.
Driver License Renewal Requirements/Options for Older Drivers - Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles

[NoMoSno]

Originally Posted by pgettinger01

I think FL gives a ten (10) year license. So if you are tested and pass at 80 years old you are OK until 90 years old.

Driver License Renewal Requirements/Options for Older Drivers - Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles

[Windguy]

For all those suggesting regular testing, please keep in mind that lack of a driver’s license won’t stop people from driving. My mom had a heart attack while driving at the age of 90. The cop who investigated the accident told me that her license had expired many years earlier. I had no idea.

Self driving cars are the only solution to this problem.

[PurePeach]

Originally Posted by Kenswing

I was shocked when we went to get our Florida drivers licenses that they were good for ten years. I think it would be a good idea to shorten up that interval as your age goes up. Maybe when you hit 60 drop it down to five years. At 65 drop it to three years. At 80 you should be checked every year. At 90, weekly. lol

My husband and I just moved here at the end of October last year. My DL was issued for 9 years and his for 6. I’ll be 66 and he’ll be 86 this fall. So they’re not all for 10 years.

[Neils]

Focus on 20 year olds with no license or insurance

[JMintzer]

Originally Posted by GrumpyOldMan

Many people are very active at 65. And many are not, and are not capable of driving safely. It only takes one to kill someone.

And you are right, there is no simple solution. I don't know if it would be impossible to administer that many tests, but it certainly would be expensive.

I have patients, well below age 65 who have on foot in the grave and can't be trusted driving a car... It only takes one to kill someone...

Age is just a number...

[GrumpyOldMan]

Originally Posted by scottiesrgreat@gmail.com

Wrong.

I would never take public transportation - unless I was so disabled and unable to drive. In that case - would public transportation come to my house and driveway and wait for me to be wheeled out to the bus? Wouldn’t public transportation require those not fit to drive to get to a point of pick up and drop off?

Really unreasonable. I moved here to remain active in my older years. Having a car and driving is what makes active living possible. Yes - the day will come - where I am disabled - mentally and/or physically - but living in my current home will not be an option - then.

Just my opinion.

Well, there currently are public transport systems being tested that do come to your house and take you where you want to go. They are full autonomous self driving cars and vans. They are being tested in some cities around the country.

I read an article about a year ago that a company providing a taxi service was starting up here in the villages, and it will be using self driving cars.

I think that is a very viable alternative, even if I have to pay per ride, since most of the time my car sits in the garage not being used, but I still pay taxes, and insurance on it.

[GrumpyOldMan]

Originally Posted by JMintzer

I have patients, well below age 65 who have on foot in the grave and can't be trusted driving a car... It only takes one to kill someone...

Age is just a number...

The question is, do you have patience with your patients, or are they patient with you?

[GrumpyOldMan]

Originally Posted by Neils

Focus on 20 year olds with no license or insurance

It is possible to work on two problems at the same time.

[GrumpyOldMan]

Originally Posted by BevEnglish

My husband and I just moved here at the end of October last year. My DL was issued for 9 years and his for 6. I’ll be 66 and he’ll be 86 this fall. So they’re not all for 10 years.

I was not aware of that, thank you. Based on my own situation at 71, I think 6 years between tests at 85 is too long. It all depends on the individual, but are some point we being to spiral down and health and capabilities can deteriorate quickly. For some that happens younger than others.

[graciegirl]

Originally Posted by Chellybean

Yesterday I was on Buena vista traveling north in the right lane Biking.
Her comes a car going south in the left lane of the North bound two lanes going the wrong way.
I start screaming at this person your going the wrong way. The best I could tell, it was a older lady in her 80's plus barely able to look over the dash. I pulled over, looked back as she was going the wrong way in to the round about, OMG!!!
Thank God the person in the Blue SUV slammed on his brakes as she turned left into one of the villages. Also a state body utility truck almost broad sided her as well and slammed on the brakes as everyone else coming into the round about did. I think she was oblivious to what was happening.
HMMMMM no one wants there freedom taken away but this lady almost cause injury to 4 vehicle and there passengers UGGHHHHHH

I can understand how frightening that must have been. How could you tell her age from your vantage point inside your car unless you did in fact see her for a second or two rather close?

Let me also say that about two years ago when I had an out of the blue episode of an extremely low heart rate, (corrected by a pacemaker) I decided not to drive. I am 81. My husband who is one year younger does the driving in our family, and plays golf four days a week and trims the large bushes and trees all around the property and keeps up with his doctor checks at LEAST twice a year as do we all at our house. I still drive the cart to Laurel Manor from our home to paint. I still feel completely safe doing so and driving our precious daughter with me. That may change. If someone tells me I am not capable, I will listen.

It is very difficult, this issue, because aging affects us all differently. Almost impossible to make a one size fits all decision based on age.

Age is one factor in driving. As we all know there are many people who probably should not be at the wheel of a motor vehicle. Some still drive with their licenses revoked. We cannot seem to be able to legislate and enforce moral decisions. It is a worry to be sure.