Sunday May 27, 2012

JAPAN NEWS AND DISCUSSION

Should there be an age limit at which point driving licenses will no longer be renewed?

Have Your Say Jul. 15, 2011 - 05:56AM JST ( 18 )

Order by Time Order by Popularity

18 Comments

0

ihavegreatlegsJul. 15, 2011 - 06:35AM JST

No, but 6 month test yes. I am in Florida now for business, and it is very dangerous to drive here!
-1

ihavegreatlegsJul. 15, 2011 - 06:36AM JST

Not tom, but to drive here!
3

FoxieJul. 15, 2011 - 07:47AM JST

No, everybody is different and it should be through reflex tests to decide for people aged over 75.
-3

PapigiulioJul. 15, 2011 - 08:42AM JST

If it was up to me, all persons no exception above 70 would have to hand in their license. Sure there are people who are still being able to drive very well above 70 but why take the risk. Also I think a test every 6 months/1 year should be mandatory above 65.
-1

AdamwestiJul. 15, 2011 - 09:53AM JST

An individual beyond the age of 70 should be required annually to submit to a driving exam. My father drove until he was 86 then he voluntairly came home and said that was the last of his driving and subsquently he died at the age of 98. He remained active until he reached 94. Age should not be a factor as we have young people who drive on the roads and lack the respect for other drivers by cutting in front of them without using turnsignals in addition to exceeding the normal speed limits. Those over 70 should be checked for reflex in addition to driving on the highways.
-4

lotus2Jul. 15, 2011 - 11:35AM JST

No, but those aged 60 years and above should go through a medical examination to see if they're fit to drive, and those 65 years and above ought to repeat a driving test before being allowed to renew their licenses.
2

HimajinJul. 15, 2011 - 11:46AM JST

If it was up to me, all persons no exception above 70 would have to hand in their license.

See what you think when you're a healthy 70-year-old...
-3

steve@CPFCJul. 15, 2011 - 12:10PM JST

Every person ages differently so a blanket ban would be wrong and disctrminating. There is a sight test here and the oldis are just passed even if they see like Mr Magoo as they all know each other round her.

My late father in law had apilots licenese and for the last few years of his life he was suffering diabetes and many ailments related to that, He was passed as fit to fly by a "dodgy" doctor that otehr pilots recommned to him. this kind of stuff isn't frowned on as much as in the West.
4

Jack SternJul. 15, 2011 - 03:14PM JST

After age 70, the Japanese regulate your license to every four years with a special computer reflex test which includes situations of driver awareness clips. After that, a driving school officer will take you around a course and grade your driving ability. Of course it's easy going and I suppose almost everyone passes. The true test is on the roads outside which include red light runners, young speedsters and wild riding bicyclers and narrow roads with few sidewalks. Most elderly folks here are very cautious when they drive. Usually they don't overspeed and follow the rules. Sad to say. it's the younger drivers that older folks need to be aware of when driving.
2

presto345Jul. 15, 2011 - 04:58PM JST

Are we talking about Japan? Yes, of course.

I think we don't need any more dumb rules. What we need is a police force that starts enforcing existing traffic regulations.
0

keika1628Jul. 15, 2011 - 07:10PM JST

If and only if, the driver in Japan is showing signs of osteoporosis, the driving license should be reviewed. Possible a big red R sticker is placed on the car showing other gaijin that the driver is restricted to driving around the farm or sneaking home on the back doubles from that little snack hideaway we all like to visit from time to time .
0

miamumJul. 15, 2011 - 07:24PM JST

If and only if, the driver in Japan is showing signs of osteoporosis, the driving license should be reviewed

So Alzheimers, near-blindness or pure basket-cases are OK then, as long as their bones are strong??!
2

Bartholomew HarteJul. 15, 2011 - 10:00PM JST

As long as vision,Brake reaction time and general health are good ,They should drive. -Just Watch Out for those @#%#@!!KameKazi Bycycle Riders, They are the WORST!!
0

keika1628Jul. 16, 2011 - 01:41AM JST

@miamum Yes , basket cases with strong bones will survive dumping into a ditch . Alzheimers will forget the ordeal , and near-blindness are the people crawling home from the pub , so yes.
1

globalwatcherJul. 16, 2011 - 04:15AM JST

The age should not be the issue.
I have been give up driving entirely whenever I visit Japan as I am from US with a left side driving. The transportation systems in Japan are great and they are always on time.

In the past, I have seen the most craziest YOUNG drivers on narrow streets in Tokyo that were filled with pedestrians and bicycles. And some pedestrians bicycles also do not follow rules. Even someone tries to pay me to drive, then I would say Nope!
1

ExportExpertJul. 16, 2011 - 01:26PM JST

lotus2J

No, but those aged 60 years and above should go through a medical examination to see if they're fit to drive, and those 65 years and above ought to repeat a driving test before being allowed to renew their licenses.

Totally unreasonable, old people need to get around too and you cant expect them to walk or cycle everywhere. Many are still capable drivers at 65.

Young people should be restricted, and made to resit their test every six months, as they are the largest group of accident causes not the old.
1

lucabrasiJul. 16, 2011 - 01:38PM JST

My grandfather drove a bus till he died peacefully in his sleep aged 83.

His passengers died somewhat less peacefully. ;)
0

Greapper1Jul. 20, 2011 - 12:57PM JST

I want to say yes... but i know when i turn 70 or whatever i'll still want to drive as well.