Threat to my lifeline

Published: 7 May, 2010

• I WAS flagged down by police with sirens blaring after clipping another motorist’s wing mirror and not stopping. It was late at night and I would never have found the owner. Besides, the road was quite narrow with parked cars.
Now I’ve been told I must re-take what I understand is the extremely strict driving test after 50 years of unblemished driving.
If, as is all too likely, I fail the test my daily life and indeed my working life and career will be seriously damaged. I will lose my car, which is my lifeline.
I’m partially disabled since a knee replacement two years ago. My walking has been very restricted, indeed dangerous, even with a stick. 
Every time I have to walk, which no longer gives me any pleasure, it takes me at least three times as long and there is always the danger of falling so that even a visit to the library or town hall, which I do often, adds at least an hour in travel, not to mention tiredness.
I regularly have to use my car for time and efficiency. I am a writer and need to get out for research but am also an active member of three local committees, Islington Society, Islington History and Archaeological Society, and a Friend of Islington History Museum.
Neither the police nor the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency have charged me with anything or have  stated what they think happened and why they think I need to re-take the driving test.
In other words, I’ve been stung under a bureaucratic process which is like something out of Kafka. No one has explained what I’ve done.
Where is the British ruling of innocent until proven guilty? If this is the legal way of handling a minor incident it is high time it was changed.
In addition, I’ve wisely been advised to take driving lessons – after 50 years without any police record – at a huge financial cost.
MARY COSH
N1