is the driving age going up??

[series3100]

hi, im 15 and rebuilding a landy for my first car, i have heard rumours that the driving age is going up to 18 before long... :eek: is this true and if so when is the cut off date?

[Rich_P]

I have not heard anything about it recently. Such rumours went on when I was approaching driving age, much like the rumour that you're restricted to under 2 litre engines for the first two years with a car. :rolleyes:

Ignore it.

[Jim Franklin]

The DVLA have been discussing reducing the size of the power output of an Engine for the 17/18 year olds and possibly restricting it until you have enough driving experience as well as a raft of other reviews to improve things on the roads.

But they have been discussing it for several years that I am aware of so to be honest I think you'll be OK. Government Depts rarely make decisions in a couple of years anyway!!

[skip2]

I've read reports of you still been allowed to be a learner at 17 and to pass your test, but no actually getting a full lience until 18, so would prevent you driving alone or with others unless they were over 21.

[Underdog]

READ THIS (http://www.2pass.co.uk/driving-age.htm)

[Jim Franklin]

READ THIS (http://www.2pass.co.uk/driving-age.htm)

Good link Underdog.

[bvudzichena]

Just be thankful you don't live in Australia. There it takes years before you get a "full" licence.

[BigJim]

Just be thankful you don't live in Australia. There it takes years before you get a "full" licence.
Perhaps not such a bad idea, lets you build up the experience needed?

There is a scheme here (Pass Plus?) that aims to do that, i.e. it acknowledges that once you have passed your test you still have a lot to learn!

[bvudzichena]

I was very lucky to have grown up on a farm in Africa where I was on a pushbike at a very young age and onto a Suzuki 80 as soon as one foot could touch the ground, then around 8 it was behind the wheel of a MF35 and a j**p that the GI's had left behind at the end if WWII (my grandfather was a sly old ****** and worked out he could make more money housing Italian POWs than he could farming - the other benefit being bridges and dams that are still standing today :D).

At age 12 I rushed one of our workers the 8km into town in our Pug 404 pickup to get him to hospital after he'd crushed his thumb in an accident. By the time I turned 16 and went for my test, I'd already clocked up a couple of thousand miles and was an experienced driver. If truth be known, I went for a couple of lessons before the test to unlearn bad habits that I'd picked up - such as driving with just one hand.

I don't consider myself to be old - I've just turned 40 and Michelle often points out the young babes who are giving me "the eye" when we're out and about - but the youth of today really make me feel like an old man. We recently took Michelle's 14 year old son to a vacant piece of land and explained the basics of driving a car to him. He was about as interested in being taught to drive a car by his family as I am in getting my prostate examined.

Rules have changed here and he can only go for his learners when he's 17 and then his road test when he's 18. I shudder to think how many cars he's going to put up trees or send down embankments simply because of a lack of experience.

[Canadian_Para]

Young guys/gals and the cars debate has been going on for decades. At one time it was Motorcycles and young riders that were taking the hit.

Once you have old farts (like me)who conveniently forget their own rip-snorting in their youth making legislation then it is the sensible majority who suffer and not the idiotic minority.

Plenty of people can sensibly and safely drive at 15 never mind 17 just as plenty of people cant sensibly and safely drive at any age whatsoever!

I would rather have a safe 15 year old coming towards me than a 30 year old p1ssed out of his box!.

So, what has age got to do with anything.

[skip2]

READ THIS (http://www.2pass.co.uk/driving-age.htm)

good link i've just done the theory test samples

bit like tv quiz, worth doing but keep a mark as it does not tell you at the end your result, although not actual questions based on them

Theres one or two would take issue with like and quote

Car driver must ensure saet belts are worn by

a/ under 14's
b/ front passenger
c/ rear passenger
d/ all passengers

what do others think ?

[Canadian_Para]

I don't consider myself to be old - I've just turned 40 and Michelle often points out the young babes who are giving me "the eye" when we're out and about

Yeah? Post a mug-shot and I will ask our service gals if they agree

;)

[bvudzichena]

Yeah? Post a mug-shot and I will ask our service gals if they agree

;)

Look in LRM. Somewhere around p 16something.

[Rich_P]

Rules have changed here and he can only go for his learners when he's 17 and then his road test when he's 18. I shudder to think how many cars he's going to put up trees or send down embankments simply because of a lack of experience.

I presume then that a lot of young drivers in SA have quite a large number of 'accidents'?

Interestingly, I'm the only young driver out of a small group of friends who drive who has yet to be involved in an accident with a vehicle...

[Satancom]

good link i've just done the theory test samples

bit like tv quiz, worth doing but keep a mark as it does not tell you at the end your result, although not actual questions based on them

Theres one or two would take issue with like and quote

Car driver must ensure saet belts are worn by

a/ under 14's
b/ front passenger
c/ rear passenger
d/ all passengers

what do others think ?

Well its under 14's... But persoanlly I suggest anyone in the car with me put their belt on (most do anyhow). If the front seat passenger doesn't want their belt on then its fine with me.. anyone who sits behind me puts theoir belt on or walks. I had a bump a few years ago and the guy behind me had no seat belt... It hurt


I presume then that a lot of young drivers in SA have quite a large number of 'accidents'?

Interestingly, I'm the only young driver out of a small group of friends who drive who has yet to be involved in an accident with a vehicle...

When I started driving, within a year I think most of my friends had an off... osme spectacular.. nobody seriously hurt though!

[Canadian_Para]

Look in LRM. Somewhere around p 16something.

LOL.Never mind the LRM page whatever,post the pic if you dare.

Tell you what,if you will I will.I promise a pic which has been taken within the last nine months. Therefore,so must you.:D

[Canadian_Para]

When I started driving, within a year I think most of my friends had an off... osme spectacular.. nobody seriously hurt though!

Yeah? Amazing, same as I.

We were riding Motorcycles at that time in the 60's and funny old life it was too. It was always the Pringle Sweater wearing 30's plus car drivers who ran into us! LOL.

[alex_p]

When I started driving, within a year I think most of my friends had an off... osme spectacular.. nobody seriously hurt though!

I've had my license for 2 years now and racked up over 50k miles, I haven't ever had an accident but I do think I've been lucky a couple times. When I had my golf I drove like a d*** sometimes and realise how stupid I was.

I have one friend that's always been a bit of a liability, in his first 6 months of driving he wrote off 2 cars. The second he has no recollection of even driving, turned out to be almost 4 times over the limit and on god knows what. Banned for 2 years and has to re-take his test, was almost sent to prison for 6 months but paid a huge fine instead. To say I'm glad he's off the road is an understatement.

One of my best mates was killed in an accident on February 6th last year, I'll never forget that day. He was in the passenger seat with a moron behind the wheel of a new Mini Cooper, the driver survived but barely. And I saw him for the 1st time after the accident on the anniversary of it; he made a joke about it, needless to say he regretted that.

Alex

[Canadian_Para]

I've had my license for 2 years now and racked up over 50k miles, I haven't ever had an accident but I do think I've been lucky a couple times. When I had my golf I drove like a d*** sometimes and realise how stupid I was.

I have one friend that's always been a bit of a liability, in his first 6 months of driving he wrote off 2 cars. The second he has no recollection of even driving, turned out to be almost 4 times over the limit and on god knows what. Banned for 2 years and has to re-take his test, was almost sent to prison for 6 months but paid a huge fine instead. To say I'm glad he's off the road is an understatement.

One of my best mates was killed in an accident on February 6th last year, I'll never forget that day. He was in the passenger seat with a moron behind the wheel of a new Mini Cooper, the driver survived but barely. And I saw him for the 1st time after the accident on the anniversary of it; he made a joke about it, needless to say he regretted that.

Alex

Most all drivers and non-drivers have tales of similar idiocy and or tragedy.That does not in itself set a precedence for restricting others who are by far more sensible and responsible driving a motor vehicle.

In essence, an idiot will always be an idiot and a fool a fool regardless of what you may say or do to try and convince them otherwise.

[alex_p]

Most all drivers and non-drivers have tales of similar idiocy and or tragedy.That does not in itself set a precedence for restricting others who are by far more sensible and responsible driving a motor vehicle.

In essence, an idiot will always be an idiot and a fool a fool regardless of what you may say or do to try and convince them otherwise.

I'm not saying the driving age should be increased, I agree with what you said. Was just saying what my first two years of driving have been like, and I doubt it would of been very different had I of been a year older. I would say that drivers should be trained better, as I don't think I'm alone in thinking new drivers generally aren't aware of the possible consequences or simply think it wont happen to them. I was a bit like that, I have to admit. I will not get in most of my mates cars as I don't trust them, I've only got one friend I really trust behind the wheel.

As soon as my feet could touch the pedals my parents were teaching me to drive, on private land of course, and for that I am eternally grateful. As it taught me car control, something seriously lacking in most of my friends. It's all well and good teaching people how to avoid trouble, but it's only a matter of time before a new driver will have to control a skid whilst cornering because of a kamikaze so n' so. Drivers will generally learn the hard way, provided they survive their lesson.

Alex

[skip2]

Well its under 14's... But persoanlly I suggest anyone in the car with me put their belt on (most do anyhow). If the front seat passenger doesn't want their belt on then its fine with me.. anyone who sits behind me puts theoir belt on or walks. I had a bump a few years ago and the guy behind me had no seat belt... It hurt

Your right correct answer is under 14, but I agree with you it should be all passengers who should be belted up.

Thats why I'am a bit surprised with that answer should be all passengers

[bvudzichena]

I think getting young lads into old Land Rovers is a much better option that getting them into Corsas, Saxos, Polos, Fiestas 20x's etc.

First off, Land Rovers aren't speed demons. The chances of killing yourself speeding are miniscule.
Secondly, if some idiot in a Saxo were to drive into you, his car would be a write off while you'd have minimal damage to your car.
Thirdly, "Land Rover chicks" are better in so many ways than the ones who would be attracted to guys who drive silly little cars.

[Rich_P]

As soon as my feet could touch the pedals my parents were teaching me to drive, on private land of course, and for that I am eternally grateful. As it taught me car control, something seriously lacking in most of my friends. It's all well and good teaching people how to avoid trouble, but it's only a matter of time before a new driver will have to control a skid whilst cornering because of a kamikaze so n' so. Drivers will generally learn the hard way, provided they survive their lesson.

Alex
I did similar myself, I spent large sums of my "pocket money" on any driving experiences I could get myself on. Earliest age that I actually drove a fully sized vehicle (not counting quads here) was when I was thirteen, and the vehicle of choice was a bog standard 300TDi 110 CSW. I had several instances of off-road driving tuition in said vehicle over the following few years.

I also agree about the sliding control experience. I'm not particularly sure how I have managed to get through one or two instances where my 2A decided it really wanted to spin out on me, but I put it down to just having experienced some loss of control while off-road in mud where the Land Rover is sliding about. :confused: Anyway, I do think it would be a worthwhile addition to have new drivers go on a course to learn the basics on how to control a car during a slide for instance. But then there also comes another problem. There are many different driver assistance systems in cars today, some are still very basic while others have every assistance system going. Both will react completely different to each other in a same given situation, and I imagine it's difficult to train a driver to be able to handle a given situation with all the different possible match ups of driver assistance.



Thirdly, "Land Rover chicks" are better in so many ways than the ones who would be attracted to guys who drive silly little cars.

Such a shame that they're also a very rare kind. :(

[Satancom]

I think the age for driving and passing your test is fine, but i do think that under 19's maybe should be limited to group 5 or lower cars.

The thought of a 17yr old in my car just plain scares me! If I had a powerful car when i stuffed mine I would not be here today, and thats the same for most people i know that stuffed their cars in first year of driving. If their car was more powerful a bit of a bump would have been tragic...

[Rich_P]

A Series 3 is insurance group 6. ;)

I also think insurance group ratings are bonkers. It would cost me the same to be insured on a V8 RRC as it would to be insured on a VW Lupo 1.7 Diesel. :rolleyes:

[series3100]

I'm not saying the driving age should be increased, I agree with what you said. Was just saying what my first two years of driving have been like, and I doubt it would of been very different had I of been a year older. I would say that drivers should be trained better, as I don't think I'm alone in thinking new drivers generally aren't aware of the possible consequences or simply think it wont happen to them. I was a bit like that, I have to admit. I will not get in most of my mates cars as I don't trust them, I've only got one friend I really trust behind the wheel.

As soon as my feet could touch the pedals my parents were teaching me to drive, on private land of course, and for that I am eternally grateful. As it taught me car control, something seriously lacking in most of my friends. It's all well and good teaching people how to avoid trouble, but it's only a matter of time before a new driver will have to control a skid whilst cornering because of a kamikaze so n' so. Drivers will generally learn the hard way, provided they survive their lesson.

Alex
im only 15 but i have been driving a while now (private property) , as you said i think this is a good thing because when the time comes and i pass my test i will not be needing to show off as driving wont be anything special

[Satancom]

A Series 3 is insurance group 6. ;)

I also think insurance group ratings are bonkers. It would cost me the same to be insured on a V8 RRC as it would to be insured on a VW Lupo 1.7 Diesel. :rolleyes:

I cn probably say the Lupo is quicker than a RRC V8 :eek:

Engine size is also not worth looking at.. Think about a volvo 240 and a 1.4 punto turbo... Punto is a quick (ish) car..

Its a hard one really

[Rich_P]

I cn probably say the Lupo is quicker than a RRC V8 :eek:
Can't say that my mum's goes that quick?

VW Lupo 1.7 SDi, 0-60mph is 16.8 seconds and a top speed of 98mph. Meanwhile I believe the 3.5 RRC does it in about 11-12 seconds, with a top speed of around 110mph I think?



Engine size is also not worth looking at.. Think about a volvo 240 and a 1.4 punto turbo... Punto is a quick (ish) car..

Of course. :)

[Satancom]

Can't say that my mum's goes that quick?

VW Lupo 1.7 SDi, 0-60mph is 16.8 seconds

Thought you were on about a tdi :) I have driven my little 106 pug about.. 1.5 n/a diesel and that suprised me.. its quicker than my landy easily!

[Rich_P]

Oh, yes the TDi model is certainly a bit quicker! :eek:

Most things will leave my Land Rover standing.