If You’re Older Than 45, Getting a PA Driver’s License Is Getting Tougher

[onehandle]

PennLive reports something we weren’t quite aware of: PennDot, for decades, has selected 1,900 Pennsylvanians older than 45 to get random physical and visual screenings as a condition of renewing their driver’s licenses.

Now the program is about to expand:

Kara Templeton, the director of its Bureau of Driver Licensing since March 2 but a PennDOT employee for the past 14 years, told PennLive in an interview Thursday that the department is looking at perhaps expanding the random sample size of drivers older than 45 who must undergo these spot checks on their medical fitness to drive.

It is all part of the department’s efforts to ensure the safety of not only those who get behind the wheel but also the safety of other motorists, bicyclists and pedestrians with whom they share the road.

The really good news? If you’re one of the random selectees, you get to pay for the medical and visual testing! This should make many drivers very, very happy.

http://www.phillymag.com/news/2014/05/23/youre-older-45-getting-pa-drivers-license-getting-tougher

[leftyohiolib]

1. physical? why a physical ?

[lpbk2713]

3. Checking reaction time perhaps.

[AngryAmish]

12. That is racist.

As a population African Americans have slower reaction times than european americans.

[winter is coming]

13. I didn't know that. I was thinking, however, that this expanded testing would probably target

minorities. Smells like another vote-suppression tactic to me.

[Chan790]

20. Well...

it's because they want to make sure you don't have a stroke, heart attack or seizure while driving and kill people with your out of control car with a dead guy behind the wheel.

[sakabatou]

2. I can see eyesight checks, but for anything else, I dunno

[lutefisk]

4. Don't all states require a vision test of everyone at renewal time?

I know an elderly driver here in Wisconsin who failed the vision test for license renewal. No problem though- he just told the DMV examiner that he had something in his eye and would see a doctor about it. He walked out with his license renewed.

[frazzled]

9. Not at 45, or even at 60, here (IL)

Because I have a clean driving record, I can renew online or by mail. My last renewal, a few years ago--when I was, shall we say, just over 60—required no vision, written, or driving test. I don't drive very often at all.

More remarkable (and this is really scary), my 97 year old father had his driver's license renewed this past year in Indiana. He did have a vision test (but vision isn't his problem: he doesn't hear well, and his reaction time is not what it used to be). We've been trying to abscond with his license for the past 5 years, but he keeps getting it renewed before we make the move. It's a daytime only license, and he does go only within a few mile radius of his home. But still, I don't think he should be driving.

[RebelOne]

11. Here in Georgia, an eye test is required for everyone 65 and older.

That had been a real problem for me. I am 75 years old. Before renewing my license in January, I knew I had an eye problem. I went to the eye clinic at Walmart since I knew I could get glasses cheaper. But after an eye examination, it was discovered I had cataracts. So I had to have eye surgery in both eyes, but I passed my license eye test after the surgery.

[dixiegrrrrl]

16. I was worried about my renewal here in Al.

but much to my surprise, no requirements other than give them 28.00 and pose for the pic.
Let's just say I am old enough that I do not drive comfortably at night.

[HubertHeaver]

5. Obviously, if you are >45 years old

you are elderly, out of touch with reality, physically feeble and probably have one foot in the grave. Or so sayeth PennDOT.

[woo me with science]

6. Who's profiting?

[misterhighwasted]

7. Expanding Voter Suppression to include anything & everyone possible

They should start with all drivers regardless of age who TEXT & drive.

How about they develop an app that disables the texting feature on a phone when the engine is engaged.

[MineralMan]

8. How about they force a driving test for anyone who got

a ticket for a moving violation prior to the renewal? That would make much more sense. I'd be in favor of that one. Any moving violation ticket that stood and had the fine paid, and you get to drive for the same guy who tested you when you were 16 or a suitable substitute. Now, that would get a bunch of crappy drivers off the roads.

The age thing? Not at age 45. I can see it at 70.

[ManiacJoe]

10. That seems a little overboard.

However, I would love to see everyone over 45 having to take the driving test each time for renewal. (And that would now include me.)

[shanti]

14. Drug testing too?

That would be very draconian, but could see it happening as a counter measure to legal cannabis.

[Comrade Grumpy]

15. I keep my license in my secret compartment when driving in Pennsylvania.

[sabrina 1]

17. I wonder which Corp will profit from this? Someone is profiting, that's for sure.

Omg, I'm laughing. They actually think WE believe they care about the 'safety' of the people??

Follow the money!

[goldent]

18. "the department is looking at perhaps expanding the random sample size"

Trial balloon -- don't think it is going to fly. Typical exaggerated headline.

While on the subject, I found this bit of good news

2013 Number Lowest Since Recordkeeping Started in 1928

Harrisburg – The number of highway deaths on Pennsylvania roads tumbled to a record low last year when 1,208 were recorded, the lowest number since recordkeeping began in 1928, PennDOT Secretary Barry J. Schoch announced today.

[HeiressofBickworth]

19. Since a picture driving license

constitutes proof of identity for many people, finding a way to reduce the number of licenses will also affect the number of registered voters. Yes, part of the over-all GOP plan to reduce the number of voters. Very sneaky these vermin.