Norfolk driving course set up for motorists aged over 60
A new initiative to help older drivers stay on the road and increase their confidence has been introduced.The Gold course by Norfolk County Council is designed for motorists over the age of 60 and lasts about 60 minutes.The local authority's road safety team collaborated with Norfolk Police, the local fire service and ambulance service.Fran Whymark, Conservative cabinet member for public health, said: "It's not about losing people's licence; it's about keeping people on the road and keeping them safe."
Drivers signed up to the course take the test in their own vehicle and council road safety officer Andrew Sykes said it enabled the assessor to give an objective view on their driving."It's really not a driving test by any means - it's just an observed drive with a few hints and tips along the way," said Mr Sykes.
Whymark took the course himself and admitted his driving had changed since passing his test 40 years ago."I'm a bit older so your eyesight deteriorates, your mobility deteriorates... it's about keeping yourself safe and keeping yourself on the road."Most people just need to tidy up a few items when they are driving."Rebecca Guy, from the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents charity, pointed out there was other support and training available for veteran drivers.Motorists aged over 70 have to renew their driving licence every three years with the DVLA.Two coroners have recently recommended that the licensing system is tightened up following fatal accidents caused by older drivers.HM Senior Coroner for Lancashire Dr James Adeley pointed out the UK was one of only three countries to rely upon self-reporting of visual conditions affecting driving.Meanwhile, assistant coroner for Nottingham and Nottinghamshire Beth Brown said older drivers with "compromised" ability may cause further deaths.
Follow Norfolk news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Sun
an hour ago
- The Sun
Shocking moment ‘idiot' driver speeds the wrong way down busy 50mph Scots dual carriageway
THIS is the shocking moment an 'idiot' motorist was caught driving the wrong way down a 50mph dual carriageway. Horrified drivers on the A9 near Pitlochry were forced to watch in disbelief as the white Honda Jazz accelerated into oncoming traffic on Thursday. 4 4 4 Footage shared online by shows the vehicle speeding against the flow of traffic. It's understood the driver may have taken a wrong turn at a nearby slip road but continued on, posing a serious risk of a head-on collision on the busy trunk road connecting Perth and Inverness. Social media users have since slammed the dangerous manoeuvre. One wrote: 'Where do these idiots get their licences from?' Another commented: 'You would think they'd have the sense to immediately turn around rather than risk a head-on collision that could wipe out a family - maybe even themselves. "It doesn't bear thinking about the carnage if a couple of bikers, blood delivery riders, or emergency vehicles had been coming the other way. "I've driven that stretch hundreds of times in lorries, vans and cars - this is a wake-up call for every driver, every car hire firm, every parent who wants their kids to stay alive. "Thank the Lord no one was hurt this time.' A third added: 'Scary to think this wouldn't have happened before dualling. "There needs to be a process to review signage at junctions - not to mention clearing overgrown bushes that obscure direction and speed limit signs. Terrifying moment car dangles precariously over sheer cliff drop sparking frantic mission to save occupants inside "There's not much hope otherwise.' A fourth said: 'OMG, I hope they got stopped. Sends shivers down my spine - reminds me of the crash last year when a family of four died because of a driver going the wrong way on the motorway.' The video, shared by Fife Jammer Locations, has been viewed more than 580,000 times since it was posted on Thursday afternoon. Police Scotland have been approached for comment.
The Sun
an hour ago
- The Sun
Chelsea ace Marc Cucurella ‘veers across road' in Mercedes G-wagon while using mobile at wheel
CHELSEA ace Marc Cucurella is filmed apparently falling foul of the law on the road — by using his mobile phone while driving. He was said to be veering across the middle of the road in his Mercedes G-wagon near the Prem team's training ground. 4 4 4 Onlookers said the defender, in his club training top, appeared to be typing a text message at the wheel of the vehicle, costing between £140,000 and £210,000. A witness near Dorking, Surrey, said: 'The car came past us quite fast. "I clocked who it was. 'We drove past him again. "He was all over the place, over the middle line, because he was on his phone. "My partner in the passenger seat was able to film it.' A week later, the Spanish international, 26, played in the — following his key role in the Spain team that beat England in last year's Euros final. driving licence. Cucurella's agent and Chelsea FC were approached for comment. Marc Cucurella wipes away tears as Chelsea star and Wag Claudia Rodriguez reveal emotional strain of son Mateo's autism 4
The Sun
4 hours ago
- The Sun
Inside Pink Floyd star's super car collection worth £200million including rare Ferrari and motor from Steve McQueen film
A ROCK legend boasts a supercar collection to die for that includes a rare Ferrari and a motor from a Steve McQueen film. The Pink Floyd star also owns the world's most expensive motor worth a staggering £40 million. 5 5 5 Legendary drummer, Nick Mason, and his wife Anette showed off the impressive collection ahead of opening up the gardens of his 18th century home to visitors this weekend. A rare 1962 Ferrari 250 GTO took pride of place among the collection as its one of only 36 ever built. It's understood Mason paid £37k for it back in 1978 but it is estimated to be worth over £40 million today. The car finished third in the 1962 Le Mans 24 Hours race before he bought it and has never been restored. His fleet of rare Ferraris also includes the 512S which featured in the making of Steve McQueen's Le Mans before it was badly damaged by fire and then completely restored. Others on display included an F40, a GTB/4 Daytona, 1953 Ferrari 250MM, and a LaFerrari hybrid. It is estimated there are 40 sports cars in his garage worth a total of around £200 million. Other rare vehicles include a 1901 Panhard 5-liter, a 1927 Bugatti Type 35B, a 1957 Maserati 250F, a Birdcage Maserati, a 1955 Jaguar D-Type and a 1996 McLaren F1 GTR. He also owns several Aston Martins including an Ulster, and an LM17, LM18 and LM21. Mason hosted the Middlewick House Open Garden this weekend that saw thousands attend and admire his stunning collection of vehicles. The annual event in Corsham, Wiltshire, is a favourite among car aficionados and owners of Jaguars, Ferraris, Aston Martins, and more, who bring their vehicles to complement Mr Mason's collection. Wiltshire Bobby Van Trust, one of the charities that benefit from the event, described it as a "Mecca for car clubs and owners of Jaguars, Ferraris, Aston Martins, Lotus, Maclarens, Bugattis and Porsches." The event's other beneficiary, Wiltshire and Bath Air Ambulance, said more than 10,000 tickets have already been sold for the open garden and the attendance record is expected to be smashed this year. Last year, more than 11,000 people attended, raising a whopping £124,000 for charity. As well as the extensive car collection, guests were also able to view the air ambulance's Bell 429 helicopter with its operation aircrew due to be on-site to give people a closer look. The event also featured stalls manned by local artisans and food vendors, as well as live music, children's activities, and a play area. The event's website said: "Wander around the beautiful gardens and menagerie of animals, as well as seeing a selection of Pink Floyd drummer Nick Mason's classic and high performance cars. "The family-friendly weekend includes plenty of stalls to browse, with lots of items for sale, including jewellery, plants, candles, and art." And if you haven't had enough of car collections, F1 star Lando Norris lifted the lid on his luxury car collection last month. It includes an ultra-rare £2 million Lamborghini and iconic £1 million Ferrari. 5 5
