Driving into the sunset: 97-year-old fights to keep her licence despite failed tests
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In a tale that's as much about determination as it is about the challenges of aging, a 97-year-old woman has made headlines for her unwavering fight to keep her driver's licence after failing two practical driving tests.
This story isn't just about the right to drive; it's a deeper narrative on independence and safety issues that come with advancing years.
As the country grapples with balancing safety and mobility for elderly drivers, this case highlights the complexities of ageing and driving.
At the Seniors Discount Club, we understand the importance of maintaining independence as we age.
The ability to drive can be a significant part of that, offering freedom and self-sufficiency that public transport or relying on others can't always match.
However, with age comes responsibility—not just for our own safety but for that of others on the road.
According to ABC News, the unnamed nonagenarian faced the annual driving assessments mandated by South Australian law for drivers aged 85 and above.
These tests are designed to ensure that elderly motorists remain fit to drive.
Unfortunately, the woman accumulated 182 points in her first test in July 2023—far exceeding the 20-point threshold that signifies a fail.
Her infractions included driving in bike lanes, failing to give way, and braking without cause.
Her second attempt in October wasn't much better, with a score of 128 points.
This time, her mistakes included driving at 57km/h in a 50km/h zone, disobeying a stop sign, not staying left after a junction, and failing to check or signal properly.
As a result, the South Australia Registrar of Motor Vehicles suspended her licence, a decision that was later upheld by the South Australian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (SACAT).
The woman's grandson, representing her at the SACAT hearing, argued that ‘the assessor’s determinations were primarily based on, or at least influenced by, the applicant’s age’.
The woman herself highlighted ‘significant challenges to her daily life’ without a licence, noting that public transport wasn't a viable option for her.
She requested a restricted licence to drive during daylight hours in her local area and in a car equipped with safety features like a speed limiter and blind-spot monitoring—features her test vehicle lacked.
SACAT member Estelle Frawley acknowledged errors made during the driving tests and the woman’s ‘long and almost unblemished driving history’.
However, she concluded that past performance did ‘not equate to current competency’.
‘The results of the [driving tests] indicate a significant risk that the applicant is not able to operate a motor vehicle and that any future driving by the applicant presents a danger to the public,’ Ms Frawley stated in the SACAT’s ruling.
‘The risk posed by the applicant necessitates a conclusion that she is not competent to drive a motor vehicle.’
As discussions around older drivers and their ability to stay on the road continue, another important shift is taking place in the licencing process.
While some seniors face challenges in keeping their driver's licenses, changes are being introduced to streamline the conversion process, making it easier for individuals to navigate the complexities of renewing or transferring their licenses.
This overhaul could have a significant impact on how older Australians approach their driving credentials in the future.
Members, we'd love to hear your thoughts on this. Have you or someone you know faced similar challenges with driving assessments? What do you think about the idea of restricted licences or the use of cars with advanced safety features for older drivers? Share your stories and opinions in the comments below, and let's discuss the ways we can help maintain independence while ensuring safety on the roads.
This story isn't just about the right to drive; it's a deeper narrative on independence and safety issues that come with advancing years.
As the country grapples with balancing safety and mobility for elderly drivers, this case highlights the complexities of ageing and driving.
At the Seniors Discount Club, we understand the importance of maintaining independence as we age.
The ability to drive can be a significant part of that, offering freedom and self-sufficiency that public transport or relying on others can't always match.
However, with age comes responsibility—not just for our own safety but for that of others on the road.
A 97-year-old South Australian woman is fighting to have her driver's licence reinstated after failing two driving tests. Credit: Reddit / r/cars
According to ABC News, the unnamed nonagenarian faced the annual driving assessments mandated by South Australian law for drivers aged 85 and above.
These tests are designed to ensure that elderly motorists remain fit to drive.
Unfortunately, the woman accumulated 182 points in her first test in July 2023—far exceeding the 20-point threshold that signifies a fail.
Her infractions included driving in bike lanes, failing to give way, and braking without cause.
Her second attempt in October wasn't much better, with a score of 128 points.
This time, her mistakes included driving at 57km/h in a 50km/h zone, disobeying a stop sign, not staying left after a junction, and failing to check or signal properly.
As a result, the South Australia Registrar of Motor Vehicles suspended her licence, a decision that was later upheld by the South Australian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (SACAT).
The woman's grandson, representing her at the SACAT hearing, argued that ‘the assessor’s determinations were primarily based on, or at least influenced by, the applicant’s age’.
The woman herself highlighted ‘significant challenges to her daily life’ without a licence, noting that public transport wasn't a viable option for her.
She requested a restricted licence to drive during daylight hours in her local area and in a car equipped with safety features like a speed limiter and blind-spot monitoring—features her test vehicle lacked.
SACAT member Estelle Frawley acknowledged errors made during the driving tests and the woman’s ‘long and almost unblemished driving history’.
However, she concluded that past performance did ‘not equate to current competency’.
‘The results of the [driving tests] indicate a significant risk that the applicant is not able to operate a motor vehicle and that any future driving by the applicant presents a danger to the public,’ Ms Frawley stated in the SACAT’s ruling.
‘The risk posed by the applicant necessitates a conclusion that she is not competent to drive a motor vehicle.’
As discussions around older drivers and their ability to stay on the road continue, another important shift is taking place in the licencing process.
While some seniors face challenges in keeping their driver's licenses, changes are being introduced to streamline the conversion process, making it easier for individuals to navigate the complexities of renewing or transferring their licenses.
This overhaul could have a significant impact on how older Australians approach their driving credentials in the future.
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