Driving Guide Book for Older Drivers

Always maintain an even speed!  When on the highway between 70-80 kph is adequate, and stick to 70-80 in built-up areas as well so that you do not lose practice or concentration.  Too many changes of speed can unsettle you and cause you to forget what you are doing.


Remember that speed signs are only advisory, and offer a 25-30% leeway either way, despite what the cars behind you or in front of you think.


Using Indicators allows you to show how very experienced you are, and your amazing ability to brake hard first and then give 1-2 flashes before turning is a boon and an education to other drivers.  The legal requirement that you indicate 30m before and indicate first before braking so as to advise others of your intention is not a part of your special licence.  You may be amazed at how many pile-ups those drivers behind you cause for no reason.  Bad drivers are everywhere – avoid them.


No Stopping signs are an optional extra, and need only be adhered to the event a parking officer is nearby.


Marked Parking Spaces are only general indicators of where and how you should park.  Ignore notices on your windscreen from irate drivers, such as this:-

“You ignorant @*$ehole, thanks for taking up 2.7 parking spaces and leaving enough room for a very slim pushbike, while occupying space that would leave a semi-trailer with twenty feet fore and aft, and allow a camel train, a circus caravan, and a squadron of battle tanks to park.... you ill-mannered and incompetent d!psh!t!  I had to park 500 metres away and walk uphill all the way with a broken leg because you took all the space outside the doctor.. you bugger-headed bustard!!”

Such notes are ONLY a sign of the times in which we live, and the lack of manners these days.


Double Parking is another benefit of your special licence, and should be accepted joyfully at any opportunity, especially in a crowded street.


Picking Up Groceries from a supermarket means you are entitled to park next to the only car in the parking lane, block the through lane from the supermarket complex for as long as you wish, and ignore the chorus of horns behind you while YOU pack your car!  Some drivers are SOOO ill-mannered.... simply ignore them and go your way with your nose in the air!


Double Lines, especially in a built-up area with traffic, are another optional extra, and U-turns or three point turns across them  are permitted on your special licence.