“We are reviewing the level of foreign language support currently provided for candidates. We are working with the Equality and Human Rights Commission and other relevant organisations to explore possible options,” the DSA, an executive agency of the Department for Transport said.

“Any changes to the current arrangements would be subject to a full public consultation,” it said.

One reigate driving lessons instructor, who did not wish to be named, admitted it was possible for an interpreter to give a learner hints and advice in their own language.

“I suppose it wouldn’t be impossible for the translator to add on the word ‘mirror’ or ‘signal’ after every instruction, without the examiner knowing,” he said.

The recent proliferation of bus lanes, priority lanes and residents’ bays means drivers unable to read English often don’t know if they are breaking the law….

He took the Barbie car home after finding it abandoned ten years ago and has been tinkering with it ever since.

About eight months ago he started rebuilding it with his eldest son Simon, 17, who is doing a car mechanics course.

Modifications to the vehicle – which is aimed at three to five-year-olds and runs on a 12v battery – include adding larger wheels and changing its body colour from pink to white.

Mr Hutton had been drinking on March 28 when he decided to show the jeep off to a friend who lives just 500 yards away.

Police spotted him at 9pm with his knees tucked up under his chin ambling along Brooklands Road, which is named after the surrey driving lessons area motor racing circuit.

He was arrested when he ignored warnings for him to stop and tried to make a very slow getaway. ‘The police car came up alongside me and the officer said, “Are you all right there?”‘ he said. ‘When I tried to talk I realised how drunk I was.

‘A lot of burble came out. There was a dispute at first between the officers as to what the legalities of it were. Then they decided I was to be done for drink-driving.

‘I was taken to Clacton police station and breathalysed. I was released at about 5.30am. I really didn’t realise I should be doing it.

‘I knew that it was daft but I didn’t realise it was a criminal thing to do.’

Mr Hutton admitted drink-driving on Friday after magistrates in Colchester heard he had 89mg of alcohol per 100ml of blood, more than twice the 35mg limit. He was given a three-year ban because he had received another drink-drive ban within the previous ten years. He was also ordered to pay £85 costs.

Chairman of the bench Neil Munson said: ‘This is most unusual. I have never seen the like of it in 15 years on the bench.

‘The vehicle is not even capable of doing the speed of a mobility scooter and could be outrun by a pedestrian.’

And, judging by the driving I see on the surrey driving lessons, there is plenty of bad driving  among the young: speeding, tailgating, lack of signaling. These drivers are not 70, I bet.

Most seniors realize when they should quit driving, and do. Others do it when a doctor or family member suggests it. The seniors would have to be warehoused in assisted living if the writer’s idea were enforced.

Not every elderly person could toddle onto a bus while loaded down with groceries, or could afford a grocery store’s online service.

I also use the Fairfax Connector bus to get from the Springfield Mall parking area to the Metro stop. This bus route is great. I notice that many passengers say thanks to the drivers, myself included. We thank them simply because they get us to our destination on time and deal with the traffic and, hopefully, don’t get the abuse other bus drivers do.

So, no to testing only those older than 70. That is not old by today’s life spans and working life. It’s prejudice. Let’s look around at who’s causing the accidents.

Peggy Speelman, Fairfax Station

 

DG: The letter from A. Maarten Singelenberg of Rockville suggested testing the driving skills of people 70 and older every two years, and it indeed drew many responses. Writers, who included older drivers, were divided on testing. But a recurring theme — expressed by those for and against testing — was that we don’t have a system of public transportation suited to helping seniors maintain their mobility without driving.

Transit shortage

This letter picked up on Singelenberg’s reference to what Germany does to help the elderly.

 

Dear Dr. Gridlock:

Regarding testing older drivers: Clearly, this is a necessary step. Some older drivers are a danger to themselves and others. However, Germany’s “wonderful solution” of providing free public transportation is not readily adaptable to this country. The United States is a much larger country, sorely lacking in public transport other than in cities. Where I live and where many others live, there is no bus or train system to carry people to stores, doctors, friends and so forth.

So, shall we test only those who live within an area that serves the public, and let the rural folk manage as best they can?

R. Estes, Kent Island, Md.

 

 

DG: This is an excellent point today, and it will become even more of a worry as the suburbs continue to gray. There have certainly been improvements in public transportation in the suburbs, but we’re not devoting the resources to keep up with the shifting needs of an aging population.