6 ms·

I think most vehicles are operating with their headlamps adjusted too high. I think the majority are now completely out of spec [1]. My normal lights are very r

by bArray 11mo ago

I think most vehicles are operating with their headlamps adjusted too high. I think the majority are now completely out of spec [1]. My normal lights are very respectably adjusted and are the older dimmer type, but my full beams are blinding - I rarely ever use them. A few times a driver comes towards me with full beams on, I flash mine and light up the entire night. The quality of driver is also decreasing. One of our MPs computed the data and discovered "Since 2016, 1,367,942 foreign drivers have been issued a driving licence without taking a UK test". There are apparently 42.1 mn licenses [2], so ~1/30 never took a UK test. It's getting dangerous out there. [1] https://mattersoftesting.blog.gov.uk/the-mot-headlamp-aim-test-is-changing/ https://mattersoftesting.blog.gov.uk/the-mot-headlamp-aim-te... [2] https://www.rac.co.uk/drive/advice/know-how/population-of-the-uk/ https://www.rac.co.uk/drive/advice/know-how/population-of-th...

martin_a 11mo ago
> It's getting dangerous out there. You're all driving on the wrong side of the road, what are you even talking about? /s
- bArray 11mo ago
  If only we knew! The real reason we drive on the left is so that our driver's windows meet in the middle and we can use our right hand to do sword battles and jousting with oncoming vehicles.
tonymet 11mo ago
We could get very far by mandating easier adjustment of headlights, and free adjustment at auto shops. It only takes a couple minutes to adjust the headlights , especially at a shop with a lift and a gauge.
- bArray 11mo ago
  It's supposed to already be done at the MOT stations. They are supposed to check the level and adjust it to conform.
  - tonymet 11mo ago
    that's good to hear. I don't think it's as common in USA. I've even asked shops to do the work and a few aren't familiar.
tetris11 11mo ago
I'd wager it has more to do with ageing population than car accidents caused by non-native driver licenses.
- bArray 11mo ago
  In my personal experience, ageing drivers drive too slowly, but they are generally safe. They will often stop driving when they feel it is no longer safe, and almost all older drivers I know refuse to drive at night. Whether it is ageing or non-native licenses, I think a case can be made for checking that people conform with local expectations for driving skill.
  - mrguyorama 11mo ago
    >In my personal experience, ageing drivers drive too slowly, but they are generally safe. Your "personal experience" is just wrong. They are driving slower because they cannot react fast enough to be safe. It is well understood that old drivers are dangerous, including the ones going 20mph in a 45mph zone.
ponector 11mo ago
Why do you think UK drivers test is better than foreign one?
- illwrks 11mo ago
  I would argue it's not about being better or worse than another country, but if 1 in 30 drivers have a different understanding then that's a risk. By doing a driving test in the country you live in you gain a greater understanding of what it's like driving in that country. As a simple example I drove around Northern France and the first day almost went flying off the motorway slip road as I didn't realise how tight they tend to be in France compared to the UK and Ireland.
  - deleted 11mo ago
    [deleted]
  - bArray 11mo ago
    Exactly. The signs are different, the cultural norms are different, etc. It annoys me that people believe that all Europeans are somehow interchangeable and universal. It does take time to adapt properly. I almost did the same in France many years ago taking a slip road onto the motorway, almost rolled the car.
- verbify 11mo ago
  I've done a brief Google, and the UK does have one of the hardest driving tests in the world. This matches with anecdotal comparisons with international friends. https://www.zuto.com/blog/driving-tests-around-the-world/ https://www.zuto.com/blog/driving-tests-around-the-world/ In the UK, driving is on the left, while in much of the world people drive on the right. Arguably it's not so much that the UK is better, but that people should take a test to validate that they can handle the switch. But this would also mean UK drivers should do the same in other countries where they drive on the right.
  - teamonkey 11mo ago
    It’s not especially difficult to swap the side of the road you’re driving on, your brain adjusts very quickly. Millions of truck drivers and tourists do it each year when visiting the UK from mainland Europe and Europe from the UK.
nutjob2 11mo ago
Without so many foreign drivers it would be even more dangerous.
- bArray 11mo ago
  It would be more dangerous if we had less people who had not taken the UK driving test? Are you mad?
teamonkey 11mo ago
Government stats suggest that it is getting slightly less dangerous. https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/reported-road-casualties-great-britain-provisional-results-2024/reported-road-casualties-in-great-britain-provisional-estimates-2024 https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/reported-road-casua...
- bArray 11mo ago
  The data is based on casualties, but I think there are some points masking the issue: 1. Traffic is slower due to the decreased speed of traffic because of increased number of vehicles, and they continue to improve their safety (i.e. with proximity sensors & cameras). It's likely we see a reduction in casualties and fatalities even if number of accidents in total increases. For example, the number of accidents on the M25 may go up, but whilst they have speed restrictions for large areas of 50mph and sometimes 40mph, casualties will be decreased. 2. Payouts for minor injuries such as whiplash were pretty much stopped by insurance providers. Historic figures are likely inflated and new figures are likely deflated due to claims not being accepted. 3. Due to the cost of living and insurance hikes, we likely see people try to avoid making a claim. If a claim is made, the insurance premiums for both parties is increased (no matter who is at fault), both parties can be without a payout for a long time, the vehicles may be categorised and lose their value. If both vehicles are still drivable and an agreement can be made, the entire incident can go without being recorded. The problem with proving the above is the linked data you have is for casualties, and insurance claims data I believe will reflect similar issues. I'm not sure how you would encapsulate people who have an accident but refuse to make a claim. Perhaps motorcyclists and pedestrian casualties may offer a ground-truth, as either rarely have a collision involving a vehicle where there is a choice to not make a claim.
rozab 11mo ago
The source of this claim, which you helpfully did not provide, is Rupert Lowe, a far-right UK politician and shite-merchant who is so toxic he got kicked out of Reform. He does not give any indication as to where his number came from. https://x.com/RupertLowe10/status/1987100209185181958 https://x.com/RupertLowe10/status/1987100209185181958 This reciprocal scheme only applies to certain countries: the EU/EAA, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Japan, Korea, Switzerland, etc. I think when you are blaming things like headlight brightness on those bloody foreigners, it's time to do some self-reflection.
- idoubtit 11mo ago
  A small correction: drivers from the EU do not need a UK license; the driving license from their own country is valid in the UK, even post-Brexit. And the exchange scheme only applies to residents of Great-Britain. So those bloody foreigners that live in the United Kingdom and dare drive there are from Australia, Canada, Japan, Switzerland... Countries well-known for their dangerous drivers! /s
- bArray 11mo ago
  > The source of this claim, which you helpfully did not provide, is Rupert Lowe, a far-right UK politician and shite-merchant who is so toxic he got kicked out of Reform. On another day you would claim that being a member of Reform is toxic, and that being kicked out is a sign of being normal. Being kicked out of Reform is clearly itself not a sign of being toxic. Rupert Lowe is an elected MP that has published his own policy paper [1] that remains uncontested, with the only criticism I can find is based on who helped him write it [2] and not on the content. He is democratically elected and partakes in the open exchange of ideas, I think the toxicity lives in your head. > He does not give any indication as to where his number came from. He literally says that they are processed from the Department of Transport. I imagine he will publish some materials soon. > This reciprocal scheme only applies to certain countries: the EU/EAA, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Japan, Korea, Switzerland, etc. New Zealand for example only allows UK full license holders to drive for 18 months [3], not indefinitely. New Zealand roads are wide and vast, and public transport is somewhat limited. But for EU/EEA license holders driving in the UK, they can drive for as long as it is valid or until they turn 70. Even if you are on a shorter list and have to exchange in 12 months, it's just a small fee - no test [4]. The point is that we have many, many people driving on the roads that have never done a UK driving test. And this doesn't even begin to extend to those who are disqualified or driving under the influence. As a driver, it is getting far worse out there. > I think when you are blaming things like headlight brightness on those bloody foreigners, it's time to do some self-reflection. The second paragraph started with: "The quality of driver is also decreasing.", because I was making a related but separate point. I'm clearly not blaming headlight glare on foreign drivers. Maybe it it you that should do some reflection. [1] https://www.restorebritain.org.uk/pp_mass_deportations_legitimacy_legality_and_logistics https://www.restorebritain.org.uk/pp_mass_deportations_legit... [2] https://www.newstatesman.com/politics/uk-politics/2025/10/rupert-lowe-thanks-jenrick-staffer-in-mass-deportation-policy-paper https://www.newstatesman.com/politics/uk-politics/2025/10/ru... [3] https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/new-zealand/safety-and-security#:~:text=Road%20travel,about%20driving%20in%20New%20Zealand. https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/new-zealand/safety-... [4] https://www.imgconnect.co.uk/news/2024/11/can-i-drive-in-the-uk-on-a-foreign-license/123#:~:text=Yes%2C%20you%20can%20drive%20in%20the%20UK,practical%20driving%20tests%20within%20the%2012%20months. https://www.imgconnect.co.uk/news/2024/11/can-i-drive-in-the...
Plasmoid2000ad 11mo ago
Can't comment on quality - but I think it's more nuanced than adjusted too high. Was getting a lift from a friend in a less than 1 year old Yaris cross. Noticed many cars flashing us on a short flat drive home - assumed it was headlights adjusted wrong. But no - headlight were in the lowest position. Driver had asked the garage twice to check the headlight adjustment. Went out the front and headlight looked normal - but squatted and as soon I hit the sweet spot got blinded worse than high beams on my own car. This Yaris cross, which is going to be a very common car, has dips more powerful than my full beams - it will only take a small bump in the road to shine those adjustment or not - that's a problem all by itself.
- bArray 11mo ago
  Good point, it could be that our existing legislation is just dangerously out of date. Bulbs vs LEDs is night and day.

by bArray 11mo ago

martin_a 11mo ago

> It's getting dangerous out there. You're all driving on the wrong side of the road, what are you even talking about? /s

bArray 11mo ago
If only we knew! The real reason we drive on the left is so that our driver's windows meet in the middle and we can use our right hand to do sword battles and jousting with oncoming vehicles.

tonymet 11mo ago

We could get very far by mandating easier adjustment of headlights, and free adjustment at auto shops. It only takes a couple minutes to adjust the headlights , especially at a shop with a lift and a gauge.

bArray 11mo ago
It's supposed to already be done at the MOT stations. They are supposed to check the level and adjust it to conform.
- tonymet 11mo ago
  that's good to hear. I don't think it's as common in USA. I've even asked shops to do the work and a few aren't familiar.

tetris11 11mo ago

I'd wager it has more to do with ageing population than car accidents caused by non-native driver licenses.

bArray 11mo ago
In my personal experience, ageing drivers drive too slowly, but they are generally safe. They will often stop driving when they feel it is no longer safe, and almost all older drivers I know refuse to drive at night. Whether it is ageing or non-native licenses, I think a case can be made for checking that people conform with local expectations for driving skill.
- mrguyorama 11mo ago
  >In my personal experience, ageing drivers drive too slowly, but they are generally safe. Your "personal experience" is just wrong. They are driving slower because they cannot react fast enough to be safe. It is well understood that old drivers are dangerous, including the ones going 20mph in a 45mph zone.

ponector 11mo ago

Why do you think UK drivers test is better than foreign one?

illwrks 11mo ago
I would argue it's not about being better or worse than another country, but if 1 in 30 drivers have a different understanding then that's a risk. By doing a driving test in the country you live in you gain a greater understanding of what it's like driving in that country. As a simple example I drove around Northern France and the first day almost went flying off the motorway slip road as I didn't realise how tight they tend to be in France compared to the UK and Ireland.
- deleted 11mo ago
  [deleted]
- bArray 11mo ago
  Exactly. The signs are different, the cultural norms are different, etc. It annoys me that people believe that all Europeans are somehow interchangeable and universal. It does take time to adapt properly. I almost did the same in France many years ago taking a slip road onto the motorway, almost rolled the car.
verbify 11mo ago
I've done a brief Google, and the UK does have one of the hardest driving tests in the world. This matches with anecdotal comparisons with international friends. https://www.zuto.com/blog/driving-tests-around-the-world/ https://www.zuto.com/blog/driving-tests-around-the-world/ In the UK, driving is on the left, while in much of the world people drive on the right. Arguably it's not so much that the UK is better, but that people should take a test to validate that they can handle the switch. But this would also mean UK drivers should do the same in other countries where they drive on the right.
- teamonkey 11mo ago
  It’s not especially difficult to swap the side of the road you’re driving on, your brain adjusts very quickly. Millions of truck drivers and tourists do it each year when visiting the UK from mainland Europe and Europe from the UK.

nutjob2 11mo ago

Without so many foreign drivers it would be even more dangerous.

bArray 11mo ago
It would be more dangerous if we had less people who had not taken the UK driving test? Are you mad?

teamonkey 11mo ago

Government stats suggest that it is getting slightly less dangerous. https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/reported-road-casualties-great-britain-provisional-results-2024/reported-road-casualties-in-great-britain-provisional-estimates-2024 https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/reported-road-casua...

bArray 11mo ago
The data is based on casualties, but I think there are some points masking the issue: 1. Traffic is slower due to the decreased speed of traffic because of increased number of vehicles, and they continue to improve their safety (i.e. with proximity sensors & cameras). It's likely we see a reduction in casualties and fatalities even if number of accidents in total increases. For example, the number of accidents on the M25 may go up, but whilst they have speed restrictions for large areas of 50mph and sometimes 40mph, casualties will be decreased. 2. Payouts for minor injuries such as whiplash were pretty much stopped by insurance providers. Historic figures are likely inflated and new figures are likely deflated due to claims not being accepted. 3. Due to the cost of living and insurance hikes, we likely see people try to avoid making a claim. If a claim is made, the insurance premiums for both parties is increased (no matter who is at fault), both parties can be without a payout for a long time, the vehicles may be categorised and lose their value. If both vehicles are still drivable and an agreement can be made, the entire incident can go without being recorded. The problem with proving the above is the linked data you have is for casualties, and insurance claims data I believe will reflect similar issues. I'm not sure how you would encapsulate people who have an accident but refuse to make a claim. Perhaps motorcyclists and pedestrian casualties may offer a ground-truth, as either rarely have a collision involving a vehicle where there is a choice to not make a claim.

rozab 11mo ago

The source of this claim, which you helpfully did not provide, is Rupert Lowe, a far-right UK politician and shite-merchant who is so toxic he got kicked out of Reform. He does not give any indication as to where his number came from. https://x.com/RupertLowe10/status/1987100209185181958 https://x.com/RupertLowe10/status/1987100209185181958 This reciprocal scheme only applies to certain countries: the EU/EAA, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Japan, Korea, Switzerland, etc. I think when you are blaming things like headlight brightness on those bloody foreigners, it's time to do some self-reflection.

idoubtit 11mo ago
A small correction: drivers from the EU do not need a UK license; the driving license from their own country is valid in the UK, even post-Brexit. And the exchange scheme only applies to residents of Great-Britain. So those bloody foreigners that live in the United Kingdom and dare drive there are from Australia, Canada, Japan, Switzerland... Countries well-known for their dangerous drivers! /s
bArray 11mo ago
> The source of this claim, which you helpfully did not provide, is Rupert Lowe, a far-right UK politician and shite-merchant who is so toxic he got kicked out of Reform. On another day you would claim that being a member of Reform is toxic, and that being kicked out is a sign of being normal. Being kicked out of Reform is clearly itself not a sign of being toxic. Rupert Lowe is an elected MP that has published his own policy paper [1] that remains uncontested, with the only criticism I can find is based on who helped him write it [2] and not on the content. He is democratically elected and partakes in the open exchange of ideas, I think the toxicity lives in your head. > He does not give any indication as to where his number came from. He literally says that they are processed from the Department of Transport. I imagine he will publish some materials soon. > This reciprocal scheme only applies to certain countries: the EU/EAA, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Japan, Korea, Switzerland, etc. New Zealand for example only allows UK full license holders to drive for 18 months [3], not indefinitely. New Zealand roads are wide and vast, and public transport is somewhat limited. But for EU/EEA license holders driving in the UK, they can drive for as long as it is valid or until they turn 70. Even if you are on a shorter list and have to exchange in 12 months, it's just a small fee - no test [4]. The point is that we have many, many people driving on the roads that have never done a UK driving test. And this doesn't even begin to extend to those who are disqualified or driving under the influence. As a driver, it is getting far worse out there. > I think when you are blaming things like headlight brightness on those bloody foreigners, it's time to do some self-reflection. The second paragraph started with: "The quality of driver is also decreasing.", because I was making a related but separate point. I'm clearly not blaming headlight glare on foreign drivers. Maybe it it you that should do some reflection. [1] https://www.restorebritain.org.uk/pp_mass_deportations_legitimacy_legality_and_logistics https://www.restorebritain.org.uk/pp_mass_deportations_legit... [2] https://www.newstatesman.com/politics/uk-politics/2025/10/rupert-lowe-thanks-jenrick-staffer-in-mass-deportation-policy-paper https://www.newstatesman.com/politics/uk-politics/2025/10/ru... [3] https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/new-zealand/safety-and-security#:~:text=Road%20travel,about%20driving%20in%20New%20Zealand. https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/new-zealand/safety-... [4] https://www.imgconnect.co.uk/news/2024/11/can-i-drive-in-the-uk-on-a-foreign-license/123#:~:text=Yes%2C%20you%20can%20drive%20in%20the%20UK,practical%20driving%20tests%20within%20the%2012%20months. https://www.imgconnect.co.uk/news/2024/11/can-i-drive-in-the...

Plasmoid2000ad 11mo ago

Can't comment on quality - but I think it's more nuanced than adjusted too high. Was getting a lift from a friend in a less than 1 year old Yaris cross. Noticed many cars flashing us on a short flat drive home - assumed it was headlights adjusted wrong. But no - headlight were in the lowest position. Driver had asked the garage twice to check the headlight adjustment. Went out the front and headlight looked normal - but squatted and as soon I hit the sweet spot got blinded worse than high beams on my own car. This Yaris cross, which is going to be a very common car, has dips more powerful than my full beams - it will only take a small bump in the road to shine those adjustment or not - that's a problem all by itself.

bArray 11mo ago
Good point, it could be that our existing legislation is just dangerously out of date. Bulbs vs LEDs is night and day.