by Alexander (Sandy) Milne

I have advice for older readers who are required to have a check-up if they wish to continue driving.  

Brace yourself when you ask for the cost, and shop around.  

I visited my regular GP on Monday hoping that the cost for the brief examination I did not need would be less than the $80 I paid two years ago.

This time it was $120, paid up front.  I made a booking then drove to another practice. Their cost was $75.  

I then rang my regular practice and invited them to reconsider.  

The polite lady advised me that Green Cross Health division sets the charges, not my own doctor who had checked me out only days ago for a non-disabling medical issue.

I will probably change doctors this week.

The June 2024 issue of NZ Grey Power magazine carried a helpful article on this very subject, and mentions some of the crazy memory checks which some medical practices inflict on their own patients.  

It also covers the massive downstream costs ($700 to $1200) which drivers can face if they fail to answer questions, that have zero relevance to their driving ability.  

I invite Grey Power president Victor Luca to send the Beacon a shortened version of the article for the benefit of all oldies, not just Grey Power members.

Does Whakatāne District Council have the power to authorise licensed driving instructors to conduct on-road safety tests, as suggested in the Grey Power magazine?