Over 80 driving licence

[darrow]

A friend has informed me that his driving licence was refused under "new strict rules" for over 80, because his pulse was found to be erratic on a medical examination. He his due to have his pacemaker changed. I could find nothing on the net pertaining solely to over 80's only the rules for over 75's for yearly Medicals and eye tests. Perhaps the Doctors are being stricter because the fines are heavy if they are found issuing medical passes for licences to people who aren't fit. Anyone else heard anything?

[trevnhil]

I have not heard or seen anything special to over 80's. But if the Gentleman has a pacemaker and an erratic pulse you can understand the doctor being on the careful side. For all our sake's
I am just 76 and have just been issued with a 3 year licence .

[Devil]

I'm 86 and have a 3-chamber pacemaker and a driving licence: no problem!

[trevnhil]

Ah but have you got an erratic heartbeat

[Devil]

Yes, by definition, with a three chamber pacemaker, I have no natural heartbeat and I am dependent on whatever pulse rate the left ventricle produces and it can vary from the failsafe 40 ppm to a maximum of 120 ppm. At 40 ppm, I would be unable to drive safely, probably just enough to pull up into the side of the road. In truth, I have never experienced the failsafe 40 ppm with nearly 30 years of pacemakers (mostly single and double chamber types), although I came perilously close to it on one occasion due to a doctor prescribing a drug designed to moderate the heartbeat rate (in hospital!).

[trevnhil]

I had my check with a 'Specialist' at the Royal Artemis.. I just collected my new driving licence card yesterday.
I have also had an eye test since with Eye Contact on TOTK road.. My eyesight is just the same as it was 4 years ago.. I have had eye test there between now and 4 years ago

Incidentally, an FB group I am jointly running in the UK has a post about Eye test for drivers. I didn't realise in the UK if you have not reached 60 years of age you have to pay for an eye test. Except in Scotland i am told

[PolemIan]

Trev, may not HAVE to pay. I used to get free eye tests from work due to being user of computer screens - or display screen equipment as the kit was officially called. Employer had to pay for a test for staff who are habitual users of DSE.

Ian

[trevnhil]

I do seem to remember that rule from ages ago in the UK

[TLR]

I had my check with a 'Specialist' at the Royal Artemis.. I just collected my new driving licence card yesterday.
I have also had an eye test since with Eye Contact on TOTK road.. My eyesight is just the same as it was 4 years ago.. I have had eye test there between now and 4 years ago

Incidentally, an FB group I am jointly running in the UK has a post about Eye test for drivers. I didn't realise in the UK if you have not reached 60 years of age you have to pay for an eye test. Except in Scotland i am told

An eye test in UK costs around 25 pounds.
The price of a very basic dinner out. And less than half a tank of petrol.
(And I believe free for people over retirement age if on benefits, and of course children)
Not sure why anyone could object to that.