It is a requirement when you take a driving test that the assessor judge what you are looking at. That way, they can see if you’re checking for hazards.

This is impossible.

My attention does not move with my head. My retinas contain more light sensing rod cells at the periphery, which are better at detecting movement and hazards. People are better at sensing hazards at the edge of their field of view. It is impossible for an assessor to see a driver check for hazards at the edge of their view.

In order to pass a test, I must move my attention, my eyes, and my whole head when I look in the mirror or for other hazards. This is slow. I have autism. My attention already moves slowly. The added distraction of doing this is dangerous. I might as well be looking at my phone for all the trouble it causes me with paying attention.

Driving tests are fundamentally flawed and the job assessors are asked to do is impossible. You cannot see someone’s attention move when they are driving optimally. Driving tests require drivers to drive worse.

  • phcorcoran@lemmy.worldEnglish
    34·
    1 year ago

    I see where you are coming from, but it is imperative that your head moves to see in the blind spots of the car; it’s the large section of the surroundings of the car that mirrors are not covering or that are hidden by pillars or other structures of your car if you head stays still.

    I don’t think it’s a big deal if you otherwise check your mirrors, speed, rpm, etc using peripheral vision, but if your head isn’t moving and always points forward, it’s physically impossible to stay aware of everything happening around you because there are large chunks you never see

    • HardlightCereal@lemmy.worldOPEnglish
      2·
      1 year ago

      I know. The head is supposed to move for that. But it’s bad driving to move your head for mirrors, and the test requires that you do so because driving assessors are doing an impossible job otherwise.

      • FiveMacs@lemmy.caEnglish
        15·
        1 year ago

        No, it’s not bad driving. It’s proper driving. You have reduced CLARITY in your peripherals but better light/movement capabilities. When you’re driving, everything seems to be moving. Turn your head.

        • HardlightCereal@lemmy.worldOPEnglish
          1·
          1 year ago

          No, everything doesn’t seem to be moving. Your brain is able to adapt for relativity. That’s because our ancestors needed to be able to see when they were running.

          • FiveMacs@lemmy.caEnglish
            15·
            1 year ago

            It’s not really up for discussion. Abide by their rules or please take a bus. …this is a test for the privilege to drive…not a right. Negligent driving kills people.

            I get you want to rant and you’re upset, but it just means you need to try harder and focus. I’m not trying to be a dick btw, just realistic.