Dear editor,There is only one word to describe the provincial government’s Drive ABLE program, and that word is ludicrous.A senior must travel to a major centre to take a road test at their own cost. Furthermore, the person must supply alternate transportation to these centres. If a retest is taken, the cost is $336, including HST.Common sense would tell each one of us that we already have motor vehicle testing facilities in most communities to test drivers in their own communities in familiar surroundings.The program has been set up to let someone else take care of the “dirty work” of getting senior drivers off the road by using a horrendous and nerve-wracking screen test, one that many younger drivers could not pass, and then a road test to accommodate the DriveABLE people, who have their cars and examiners in these larger centres. Has the government signed a long-time contract with DriveABLE, that, if cancelled, will cost the government big bucks? This is no way to treat seniors, most of whom have worked hard throughout their lives to enjoy retirement and to expect fair treatment when they are older, not harassment to the point of turning many of these seniors into “government-haters,” which doesn’t help the government’s popularity.Believe me, the “word” travels fast among seniors. These people have been and are “the bread and butter” of our society. Sometimes the government needs “to give its head a shake.” While trying to trim costs, it makes no sense to take away the driver’s license of many of these people who have good driving records, are law-abiding, and who are perfectly good drivers in their own communities.Furthermore, are there defensive driving courses available to seniors in many communities where they can brush up on their skills?When they lose their driver’s licences unfairly, they lose in many cases their independence. They are forced to rely more on government home care, or as in many cases apply for residency in senior care facilities, which puts more pressure on these facilities, and which will usually cost to the government more money if the person’s care costs requires subsidizing.Give them driving restrictions if necessary, but if they are reaching a skill level and age where their driving ability is suspect, test them in their own community and in a humane way. Save a few dollars for the taxpayer as well.Ken MacLeod,CourtenayEditor’s note: Last week, the government announced changes to the DriveABLE program.

Comox Valley Record