EPISODE 600 SENIORS OVER 80 DRIVING TEST — EVERYONE SCARED
alan skeoch
dec. 3, 2022
I was scared. Everyone seemed scared. With good reason . The “Over 80’s’ compulsory Drivers test
had grave implications. To fail meant loss of drivers licence. loss of mobility, loss of freedom, loss of confidence.
Recognition of age and all that burden implied. Alzeimers, dimentia, failing eyesight, Parkinson’s, Arthritis…the
whole ball of wax. I am 84 and in good health. Just a bad knee from football days 70 years ago. No real need for
a cane although I use one whenever with people who might want me to race them around the block.
To fail the test meant reliance on other people…to use public transportation which is not so easy in Canada where
we need cars just to get to public transport The plazas all have spacious parking lots. Corner stores are pretty well
a thing of the past.
“Your test will be at the Best Western Hotel on Dixie Road….do not come early as others are being tested all day long.
Bring your drivers licence and glasses if you need them to drive.. The test will take 90 minutes.”
So around 20 of us gathered. All nervous. Even me even though I had been through the test when I turned 80
And failed. Yes I failed. More about that later. I know my failure triggered your interest. Humans are less interested
in perfect people that they are with those who are imperfect. Human nature.
The odd thing about my test last week was the presence of many men who seemed very fit. About half the women
were using canes One woman needed two canes. And their bodies seemed to shake….quiver…more than those
of the men. But we all shared one thing. Nervousnes. We all knew that failure woluld mean a dramatic change
in lifestyle. Would mean dependence on others…particularly dependence on our children who may or may not
be pleased to cart us around.
The room was a little on the dingy side….lighting was not good or my eyes were not good. Either or both.
“Just take a seat anywhere. No rush. I’m doing an eye test with these ladies right now so grab a seat,
your time will come. Our mandated test for those oner 80 willl take around 90 mnutes. Perhaps less
because the projector failed so the film will not be shown. I am the regional manager. Doing tests from
here to Niagara Falls every day. Usually around 15 per class….a few more today. Please feel welcome.
My name is Natasha.”
Natasha was the chattiest of people. She tried to make the Drivers’ Testing of over 80 year old as
comfortable as possible.
But nobody spoke, When Matasha stopped to take a breath the silence was absolute.
“Some of you, those over 80 will remember the written test . Rules of the Road. Well that test is
gone now. We have one test of your cognition. I will hand out a paper face down. When I say
turn it over you will draw a face of a clock with the numbers of the hours.. And finally you will use the hands of the clock
to indicate ten minutes after eleven. You will have five minutes; No cheating..keep your eyes on your own paper.”
That’s all? I had studied the MTO Handbook for two days. No test.
“To finish the test each one of you must do a vision test. Same kind as used optomotrists. Just to make sure
you can see where you are going and to check your peripheral vision.?”
Natasha did all this with a big smile as she moved among the chairs and tables. She was not
overtly threatening in any way.
But we all remained nervous. For good reason. If we were unfit to drive then our lives would change abruptly.
No laughing matter. The two men on either side of me were very serous Both wives required
constant care. So bad that both women were in places where constant care was possible. The men needed to
drive to visit their wives. And they now had to run their homes….washing machine, stove, bills, food, etc etc. Most of which
required driving. No matter how Natasha tried to make light of her role everyone knew she had the power to
turn their lives topsy turvy..
HOW YOU CAN FAIL
My previous test taught me a big lesson. I failed. Not the written test. That I got perfect. When the
meeting was over the tester…a serious man who was not chatty…dismissed everyone “Except for you
Mr. Skeoch.”
“Why?”
“I see here you got a ticket two years ago. Do you remember why?”
“No, I only dimly remember getting s ticket…. a long time ago.:”
“well, you did and sorry to say you will have to do a full Drivers test. And make sure
you bring someone with you as a driver. If you fail the test, then you will not be able
to drive until you pass the test. “
There was a 30% failure rate where I was tested. I passed. Test only took 15 minutes. My examiner beside me with a
notebook. Checking my left turns, three point turns, parking, attention to stop and go lights, safe lane changes,
yield signs, idling positions, …all the things we do drivers and take for granted.
Did you ever wonder why people over 80 are so cautious as drivers. Why they drive the speed limit rather than
10 M above the listed limit. Why they do not rush orange lights. Why they twist their heads when changing lanes?
ANSWER: THEY FEAR THE DRIVERS TEST…THEY FEAR FAILURE…THEY FEAR THAT THEIR
LIFE’S PATTERNS COULD BE SUDDENLY CHANGED. THEY NO LONGER TAKE DRIVING FOR GRANTED.
IT WILL HAPPEN TO YOU.
alan skeoch
Dec. 3, 2022
I passed the test…now I can drive for another two years.