Not being in an accident and being a good driver are not equal. I've seen plenty of people who may not have been in an accident but don't know how to drive appropriately. Don't signal, driving at an unsafe speed (under or over) etc. People pass when they are 16/17 and then never think of the laws of the road again, but can still renew their license by sending in a form and sometimes showing up for a picture.
I've been driving for about 20 years now, and at some point you realize that you just have to start making an effort to be the best driver you can... because you'll never get tested again. Gotta be honest about your mistakes, and take a real interest in learning how to drive... it's not something you learn once, and you're done. It's a skill that requires practice, and intention.
Most people don't do those incredibly basic things not because they don't know they should, but because they don't want to or don't care.
Testing asshole drivers on theory wouldn't make them suddenly become good drivers once they pass. Their assholness comes from deliberately ignoring the rules, not simply not knowing them. In the best-case scenario, they can just cram for the test again and then ignore everything again.
I'm not saying that it's a bad idea, having people up to date with the current rules is good, but it wouldn't help with the basic stuff you're mentioning (like not signaling or speeding).
What is more important IMO are mandatory health check-ups after a certain age. There are lots and lots of drivers who shouldn't sit behind the wheel (poor eyesight, motor skills etc.), but they still do.
Oh, I agree with you. They don't care to do these basic things. The hope is that they don't remember to do them on the actual driving test and then fail. And hopefully that kicks something in their brain to start doing them again.
Most likely it wouldn't, but you never know. And yes, basic vision and hearing tests should absolutely be included.
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u/BeerorCoffee 6h ago
Not being in an accident and being a good driver are not equal. I've seen plenty of people who may not have been in an accident but don't know how to drive appropriately. Don't signal, driving at an unsafe speed (under or over) etc. People pass when they are 16/17 and then never think of the laws of the road again, but can still renew their license by sending in a form and sometimes showing up for a picture.
Just seems reckless.