In theory, I agree with the idea of retesting all drivers when they renew their licenses (every 5 years in BC). I believe it would make our roads much safer and that any driver worthy of a license wouldn’t be afraid of retesting. In reality, I think it would be too large a burden on the system to be feasible and the public outcry against it would be immense. I’m guessing that the majority of voters would balk at the expense (I’d be surprised if the gov’t didn’t charge test fees) and inconvenience.
After 16 years driving a car (all accident free), I decided to get my motorcycle license this summer so I could have a cheaper mode of summer transportation. I had to book a month in advance just for the 15 minute motorcycle skills test. After I passed that, it was another month and a half before a date was free for me to take my road test. Could you imagine if all drivers had to routinely book those tests? Especially in smaller communities where gov’t services access is minimal, public transportation is not readily available and a licensed driver is a must in most households?
I do believe that it is feasible and prudent to retest drivers beyond a certain age range, though. Mental and physical decline is a reality for many people as they age and mandatory retesting would get drivers who are no longer safe off the road without family having to intervene. My aunts and uncles race my grandmother to the car so they can drive instead of her. Over the years, her awareness and reflexes on the road have declined to the point where family is just waiting for her to be in a serious accident.