Behind the Wheel - What Happens if You Fail?

[skidmark]

A dear senior friend who was called for a re-examination failed the consequent road test. Our friend has now been issued a learner's permit which requires accompaniment of a fully licensed driver. Question: what is the legal responsibility of said licensed driver?

Our society's expectations are built on a person's ability to be able take their keys, start their motor vehicle and drive to wherever they please at any time. This is an incredible freedom and one that we seldom really appreciate until something like this happens. One can no longer travel on the spur of the moment and we have to bring along a companion to look after us. I suspect that one's sense of self worth suffers when this happens.

The question of liability for the chaperone is a good one. I once managed two impaired charges out of one vehicle when I investigated the driver for driving and the supervisor for being in care and control of a motor vehicle while impaired by alcohol. Both were convicted. Clearly, the criminal law holds the supervisor to account and will punish those who fail in the job.

If you are going to supervise this driver it would be wise to visit an Autoplan Agent and review the liability coverage for the vehicle being used. In the event of a collision monetary damages are looked after by the vehicle insurance, ultimately settling on the vehicle owner via the driver. However, if the driver and owner do not have sufficient coverage and assets, it is possible that you as the supervisor could be subject to legal action to pay for losses suffered by others involved.

Finally, do you have sufficient knowledge and skill to supervise another? I often ask the question "Have you ever met anyone who would admit to being less than a better than average driver?" An honest evaluation of your own capabilities might be in order before you volunteer because this driver is depending on you to help them drive safely and properly.

Reference Links (http://www.drivesmartbc.ca/older-drivers/what-happens-if-you-fail)

[Jessev]

if they failed the test, why are they given another L? is there any point where we can just tell people that they can't drive anymore?

[ThePhoenix]

people should have their DL's cancelled on their 70th Bday. Then every year on their bday, they have to take another road test, and if they pass, they get a DL for ONE YEAR ONLY. The cycle repeats until death or failure.

[steveo]

the fact someone of that age fails a driving test after holding a license for so long, probably because of the natural mental collapse that occurs with age, and is expected to RELEARN HOW TO DRIVE LIKE A TEENAGER IN THEIR DEVELOPMENTAL STAGE is completely fucking insane

who came up with that idea?

if you look at the cars of average 75+ seniors they are covered in huge dents, scrape marks, and curbing, most of which they can't even recall which incident caused it

it's hard to call the competency of elderly people into question, but it has to be done when the safety of others is an issue

i don't think a driving exam is even the best way to do that.

how about a basic sensory responsiveness exam every year?

kind of like the eye chart exam for sight.

develop it to assess a level of mental responsiveness and competency required to operate a motor vehicle. don't make it unfair or seniors will protest. give it to everyone with a DL every year.

that would weed 99% of them out right away. if you don't have the response time to handle a simple test, you aren't capable of driving safely. this will also weed out a good portion of crackheads and people developing other mental disorders, as well as people that are just too stupid to drive