History of Driving and the introduction of the UK driving licence. A Potted History of Driving, and the UK Driving Licence. The History of Driving and the UK Driving Licence. We've started with the invention of motorised road vehicles. At that time there was no such thing as a driving licence. The development of the motor car, and the rapid increase over the years in the volume of vehicles on Britain's roads, resulted in the necessity for some means by which the government could ensure that safety prevailed. This 'History of Driving' starts before the driving licence was devised and follows the development of roads, cars and licences over the last 120 years or so. Read on to get an idea of how it all happened. A History of Driving: 1860 - 1900 The invention of the motor car really began in the mid-late 18th century with the invention of small, passenger-carrying steam-powered road vehicles. Due to the size and power of these vehicles a 'Red Flag Act' was introduced in 1865, whereby it was compulsory for two people to operate and power the vehicle, while a third walked in front waving a red flag to warn other road users of its presence.

Germany's Karl Benz has, for the most part, been credited as the inventor of the first real, 'proper', motor car that was specifically designed to be operated by a sole driver on public highways. His car, invented in 1885-86, was a three-wheeled vehicle, with no windows, that ran on petrol. The mid-1880's to the mid-1890's witnessed the development of numerous four-wheeled, petrol-powered road cars, and in 1896 'The Red Flag Act' was abolished and 'The Light Locomotives on the Highways Act' (The Emancipation Act) was introduced, stipulating an upper speed limit of 12mph for motorised road vehicles. Cars were on Britain's roads! The first motor car race took place in 1895. Front wheel drive appeared in 1897, the honeycombed radiator in 1898, and front suspension in 1899.

A History of Driving: 1901 - 1920 The Grand Prix was established in 1901 and was held in France, (although the first actual built-for-purpose race track was located at Brooklands in Surrey, built in 1907). In 1903 the 'Motor Car Act' was introduced in the UK. The Act required all motor car owners to register their vehicles with their local county borough council and to display their registration at all times. It also made the driving licence compulsory. The licence was fabric-bound and similar in style to today's passports. It could be bought at local council office for 5 shillings; no test of driving competency was required. However, the 1903 Motor Act also introduced a penalty for reckless driving. The car continued to develop rapidly over the next ten years and began to look more like the modern car, with headlights, windscreens, rubber tyres with pressure gauges, number plates and coil ignition, all by about 1908. Henry Ford's 'Model T' was developed in America in 1909, and by 1913 he was manufacturing factory produced cars.

Between 1909 and 1913 four-wheel brakes, the electric starter and four-wheel steering for off-road vehicles had been introduced, with mechanical wipers being developed in 1916. A History of Driving: 1921 - 1940 Hydraulic wheel brakes appeared in 1921 and by 1922 Henry Ford had built one million cars. General Motors came to Britain in 1925. The first British Grand Prix was held at Brooklands in 1926 and the first Monaco Grand Prix was raced in the street in 1929. Between 1922 and 1929 world land speed records increased from 133mph to 231mph. It is estimated that, by the mid-1890's, there were approximately 15 motor cars on the Britain's roads. By 1900 there were about 800 cars. By 1930, this had dramatically increased to approximately one million cars on the roads of Britain, and by 1934 there were 1.5 million.

In 1930 age restrictions were applied to driving, and a driving test for disabled drivers was introduced. Compulsory motor vehicle insurance was also introduced. In 1931 the first edition of 'The Highway Code' was introduced, and the Morris Minor retailed at £100 (equivalent to £3,342 in 2009). 1933 saw the introduction of both synchromesh gearboxes and semaphore arm direction indicators. In 1934 the 'Road Traffic Act (1934)' introduced a 30mph speed limit within built-up areas to Britains roads. In April 1934 it was announced that driving was soon to be regulated by the introduction of a driving test in order to ensure that each licence holder had safe driving skills. It was stipulated that, from 1 June 1935, a driving competency test was to be introduced, which required candidates to show competent driving skills before they could obtain a driving licence. This first driving test included some elements that still take place in today's test, such as turning in the road and reversing.

From this time, 'L' plates were required to be displayed on cars until the driving competency test was passed. Licences now had to be renewed every three years. Windscreen washers were introduced in 1935 and, by 1936, windscreen wipers had become relatively standard on cars. The first diesel car was also developed in 1936. Production of the Volkswagon Beetle began in 1938 following the development and adaptation of a number of prototypes. The number of VW Beetles built since then exceeds 21.5 million. Flashing electric indicators appeared in 1939 and the Jeep was developed, specifically as an army vehicle, in 1940. A History of Driving: 1941 - 1960 Driving tests were suspended between 1939 - 1946 as a result of the war, and a year of licencing of wartime provisional licences without testing followed. (Testing was again disbanded for a year in 1956 due to the Suez Crisis).

In 1946 the column gear-change was developed, radial tyres followed in 1948 (the same year that the Landrover was introduced) and key-start ignition was developed in 1949. The pass rate for the UK driving test was 50% in 1950. Tubeless tyres appeared in 1953 and both production-line diesel cars and fuel injection followed in 1954. The UK driving test fee doubled to £1 in 1956. The Preston By-pass was built in 1958. This later formed a section of the M6, and therefore was, technically, the first motorway to be built in Britain. The same year, seat-belts were fitted in cars as standard. Driving examiner training was formalised in 1959 and took place in Stanmore Training School. The MOT was introduced as an annual assessment of vehicle roadworthiness in 1960.

A History of Driving: 1961 - 1980 The E-type Jaguar was launched, retailing at £2,159 in 1962(equivalent to £33,000 in 2009). Hydrolastic suspension was developed in 1962, and the rotary engine in 1963. World land speed records had reached 400mph by 1964. In 1965 the driving test application form was revised and the sight test was changed to include the reading of number plates, with 3 1/8th inch high characters, from a distance of 67 feet. In 1968 the driving test fee increased again from £1 to £1 and 15 shillings. 1969 brought separate licensing groups for different vehicle classes, and stipulated that a provisional licence must be produced at UK driving tests. Four wheel drive and anti-lock breaks were introduced on production line cars in 1966, electronic fuel injection in 1968 and were followed by turbo-charge in 1973.

Driving test applications rose by 20% in 1972, and a further 15% in 1973, which resulted in a massive backlog of tests. The 'energy crisis' of 1973 caused a reduction in the purchase of large cars and a change in the car market, with many more medium and small vehicles being both produced, and bought. In 1975 arm signals no longer had to be demonstrated in UK driving tests, and the formal training of Driving Examiners moved to Cardlington. Newly-recruited examiners began to undergo a four week training course in 1976. Audi introduced the Quattro in 1980, which was the first mass-produced car to have permanent four-wheel drive fitted. A History of Driving: 1981 - 2000 The wearing of seat-belts became compulsory in 1983. In 1988, the 'Road Traffic Act (1988)' was implemented and guided how driving tests were to be conducted, and the world's fastest production car, the McLaren F1, was launched, with the ability to reach a speed of 240mph.

The Driving Standards Agency (DSA) was created in 1990, and examiners began to give feedback and guidance at the end of driving tests. The 'Road Traffic Act (New Drivers) 1995' was passed into law, affecting all new drivers who passed their driving test on or after 1 June 1997. This Act stipulated that new drivers, once they had passed their test, were to be under probation for a period of two years. During this probationary period their driving licence would be revoked if they accumulated 6 or more penalty points on their licence. This Act required the revoked licence holder to then re-apply for a provisional licence (that would be endorsed with the relevant points) and to resit both the theory and practical driving tests. In 1995 newly-qualified drivers were introduced to the Pass Plus scheme, a course of lessons aimed to assist new drivers to gain extra driving experience (such as motorway driving, night driving and driving on country roads) in an attempt to reduce the risk of accidents involving newly-qualified-drivers. Questions on The Highway Code were removed from the UK driving test and replaced by a written theory test in July 1996.

In 1997 learners were required to produce photographic ID before they were permitted to sit both the driving theory test, and the practical driving test. For people who failed their driving test, a minimum waiting period of 10 days between driving tests was introduced in September 1997. In May 1999, the practical driving test was changed - the length of the test was extended; 16 or more driving faults resulted in a fail; and the emergency stop manouevre was randomised. In 2000 the touch screen was introduced to the driving theory test. A History of Driving: 2001 - present An online booking system was developed to allow learners to book their driving theory test over the internet in December 2001. A hazard perception element was included in the driving theory test in November 2002, and vehicle safety questions, in the form of 'Show Me, Tell Me', were introduced at the beginning of the practical driving test in September 2003. In October 2003 an online booking system was introduced that enabled the practical driving test to be booked over the internet.

With a top speed of 253mph, and 0 to 62mph in under 2.5 seconds, the Bugatti Veyron took over as the world's fastest production car in 2005. By 2008, there were 34 million cars on Britain's roads. In November 2008, Lewis Hamilton, at 23 years old, became the youngest ever Formula 1 World Champion. In September 2009 some of the driving theory test questions were adapted slightly to include case study questions within the multiple choice section. As of April 2010, all learner driver's who sat the UK practical driving test were encouraged by the driving examiner to take someone along with them in the back of the car for support during, and after, the test. This person could be a relative, or a friend, or their driving instructor. Driving instructors also began to let learners know that, at any time, they could bring another person along on some, or all, of their driving lessons. They also began to actively encourage parents to be in attendance for, at least some of, the learner's lessons.

On 1st June 2010, the driving licence was 75 years old. This page details many of the important, and interesting, landmarks in the history of driving and the UK driving licence. Of course, we can't include everything, but we have included most of the main events that have occurred in the development of cars, and the driving licence, over the last 120 years, or so. It's not the only history of driving that there is. For us, it was a matter of selecting relevant information that helped us to make sense of how the car and the driving licence became what we know today. It's the putting it all together in a chronological format that makes it 'A History of Driving'. But there's more to the UK system of driving and licensing than what's here - check out our other sections to see how other areas, like road safety and the Highway Code, have contributed to the history of driving in different ways. We hope you've found this potted 'History of Driving, and the UK Driving Licence' interesting. But what happens today is tomorrow's history - so visit again. On another day, there might be more to 'The History of Driving' than there is today!

Antonine Driving School , for a DSA Approved Driving Instructor. Please click on the DSA logo below to see the DSA's advice on 'choosing a driving instructor'. History of road safety, The Highway Code and the driving test - GOV.UK GOV.UK History of road safety, The Highway Code and the driving test Updated 26 March 2015 4. Development and timeline of British driving, road safety and driving tests 1. Overview of road safety in Great Britain Driver licences were first introduced in Britain by the Motor Car Act, 1903, purely as a means of identifying vehicles and their drivers. All motor vehicles had to be registered, display registration marks and be licensed annually at a cost of 20 shillings (£1). The fee for the first driving licence, which was obtained over the counter at Post Offices, was 5 shillings (25p). Failure to sign your driving licence with your ‘ordinary signature’ could lead to a fine of up to £5. In 1921 there were only 1 million drivers in Britain. By 1939 this figure had risen to 3 million.

But it was only during the 1960s, when cars became more affordable, that motoring really took off. In 1973 the number of drivers had risen to about 20 million and a centralised computer-based licensing system was brought in to cope with the huge increase in demand for both driver and vehicle licences. 2. The Highway Code Hundreds of thousands of copies of The Highway Code are sold each year, ensuring that it never leaves the bestseller lists. It’s one of the few books in print that can lay claim to saving thousands of lives. When it was first launched in 1931 there were just 2.3 million motor vehicles in Great Britain, yet over 7,000 people were killed in road accidents each year. The Highway Code first edition. Today there are more than 27 million vehicles on our roads but, thanks to greater public awareness, advances in technology and the introduction of British summer time, only half the number of road deaths occur. Some things have not changed over the years: the very first edition of The Highway Code urged all road users to be careful and considerate towards others, putting safety first. However, other aspects of the code have changed considerably.

For example, in 1931 mirrors were not even mentioned and drivers were advised to sound their horn when overtaking. Nowadays, advice on how to cross the road fills a whole chapter, but in the early days it only merited a paragraph. More than a third of the original 24-page booklet described the various hand signals the police and road users should use, compared to the single page given to the subject in the current edition. The first edition The first edition was published in 1931, it: cost 1 old penny was the only one to carry advertisements, for the AA, The Autocar magazine, The Motorcycle magazine, Castrol Motor Oil, BP, Motor Union Insurance and the RAC contained 18 pages of advice, compared to 135 pages in the 2007 edition included advice to drivers of horse drawn vehicles to ‘rotate the whip above the head; then incline the whip to the right or left to show the direction in which the turn is to be made.’ Since those early days, regular revisions of the Code have reflected changes in technology and developments in traffic management and road safety.

Road signs Diagrams of road signs - just 10 signs in all - were first seen in the second edition, as was a warning about the dangers of driving when affected by alcohol or fatigue. Stopping distances Stopping distances made their first appearance in the third edition, along with new sections giving hints on driving and cycling. In colour The 1954 Highway Code, complemented by brand new colour illustrations, gave over the back cover to first aid guidance, while the expanded traffic signs section contained the first triangular warning signs. Motorways The arrival of motorways in the late 1950s led to the inclusion, in the fifth edition, of a new section on motorway driving. It explained such things as how to use exit slip roads and advising drivers to avoid drowsiness by stretching their legs at the parking or service areas. Photographs and 3D illustrations By the sixth edition in 1968 photographs and 3D illustrations had been included to help make rules clear and the price had risen from 6 old pence to 1/3d (6p). After decimalisation reprinted editions cost just 6 new pence.

Green Cross Code The 70-page 1978 edition introduced the Green Cross Code for pedestrians and the new orange badges for people with a disability. Prompted by soaring car crime statistics, the amended version contained advice on vehicle security. Theory test The 1990s saw a new format taller booklet and the inclusion of a section geared to the new driving theory test, which in the current edition has now become part of the Code itself. Getting social In 2011 the Highway Code joined social networking websites Twitter and Facebook to share reminders of the rules of the road. The Highway Code app In May 2012 The Official Highway Code app for iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad was launched, priced £3.99. 3. Top 10 driving test facts The driving test’s been going for 80 years. Here are the top 10 driving test facts: Mr Beere was the first person to pass the driving test in 1935: he paid the grand total of 7/ 6d (37.5p) to take the test.

There were no test centres in 1935 so you had to arrange to meet the examiner somewhere like a post office, train station or town hall. The test was suspended for the duration of World War 2 and didn’t resume until 1 November 1946. In 1975, candidates no longer had to demonstrate hand signals. The theory test was introduced in 1996, replacing questions about The Highway Code during the practical test. Driving was much more hazardous 80 years ago - 7,343 people were killed on Great Britain’s roads when only 2.4 million vehicles were in use - in 2008, 2,538 people were killed with 26.5 million vehicles on the road. Candidates could book their theory test online for the first time in December 2001. The pass rate in 1935 was 63% compared to 46% in 2009 . 1969 saw the first driving test set for an automatic vehicle. Since 1935 more than 46 million tests have been taken. 4.

Development and timeline of British driving, road safety and driving tests 1888 The first recorded sale of a manufactured motor car was to Emile Roger of Paris, who bought a petrol-driven Benz. 1907 Cabs with meters began operating in London. 1930 Regulations introduced covering endorsements and fitness declaration. The Road Traffic Act 1930 introduces licensing system for public service vehicles ( PSV ). In the early days of motoring, one licence covered both cars and motorcycles use. Age restrictions and a form of driving tests brought in for disabled drivers. Full licences for disabled drivers valid for 1 year. 1931 PSV drivers could be required to take a test, at discretion of Traffic Commissioners. The first edition of the Highway Code was published including advice for motorcycle riders. 1934 Licences for lorry drivers were introduced on 16 February 1934 under the Road Traffic Act, 1934 - the licensing authority could require the applicant to submit to a practical test of their ability. ‘Belisha’ beacons provide advanced warning of new pedestrian crossings.

1935 Voluntary testing was introduced on 16 March 1935 by the Road Traffic Act 1934. This was done to avoid a rush of candidates when the test becomes compulsory. Mr R Beere was the first person to pass the driving test, at a cost of 7/ 6d (37.5p). Mr R Beere's pass certificate (Photo above used with permission of M Beere). Compulsory testing was brought in on 1 June 1935 for all drivers and riders who started driving on or after 1 April 1934: around 246,000 candidates applied the pass rate was 63% between 9 and 16 half-hour tests were conducted each day by 250 examiners Those passing the motorcycling test did not need to take another test to drive a car. The test was conducted by the examiner positioning themselves at a point where they could observe the motorcyclist’s riding such as beside a common or in a city square. In the case of sidecar outfits or three-wheelers, the examiner might have accompanied the rider.

Examiners were responsible for: handling the booking of driving tests they met candidates at pre-arranged locations such as car parks or railway stations because there were no test centres Other road safety milestones included: anyone buying a driving licence must put ‘L’ plates on the car and eventually take a driving test to get their full licence a 30 miles per hour (mph) speed limit was introduced in urban areas windscreen wipers were used for the first time 1937 Speedometers and safety glass in windscreens were made compulsory on 1 January 1937. Provisional licences were brought in for heavy goods vehicle ( HGV ) drivers. 1939 Driving tests were suspended on 2 September 1939 for the duration of World War 2. During the war, examiners were redeployed to traffic duties and supervision of fuel rationing. 1940 HGV licences and tests were suspended on 1 January 1940 because of World War 2. 1946 Testing resumed on 1 November 1946 following the end of World War 2 the previous year.

1947 The Motor Vehicles (Driving Licences) Regulations placed motorcyclists in their own licence group, but testing remained virtually unchanged until the 1960s. On 18 February 1947, a period of 1 year was granted for wartime provisional licences to be converted into full licence without passing the test. 1950 The pass rate for the driving test was 50%. 1951 1956 The test fee doubled from 10 shillings (50p) to £1 on 19 October 1956. Testing was suspended from 24 November 1956 during the Suez Crisis. Learners were allowed to drive unaccompanied and examiners helped to administer petrol rations. 1957 Testing resumed on 15 April 1957 after the Suez Crisis. Provisional licences were no longer stamped with ‘passed test’ from 15 July 1957. The 3-year driving licence was introduced on 1 September 1957 under the Road Traffic Act 1956.

The fee for a replacement licence, if lost or defaced, rises by 150% from 1 shilling (5p) to 2/ 6d (12.5p). 1958 From 1 March 1958, provisional licences are valid for 6 months. The M6 Preston bypass was the first stretch of motorway built in December 1958. 1959 A new examiner training facility was acquired at Stanmore training school, near Heathrow. Until then, examiners were trained ‘on the job’. The M1 was officially opened on 2 November 1959. In the early days it had none of the following: speed limit motorway lighting 1961 From 1 July 1961, learner riders were restricted to machines of no more than 250cc capacity in order to deal with the high number of motorcycling fatalities. 1962 From 1 April 1962, people who had held more than 7 provisional licences were required to take a driving test. If they failed to do so, the licensing authority could refuse a further application for a licence.

1963 The Road Traffic Act 1962 permitted riders to ride motorcycles of more than 250cc after passing their test. New grouping systems were introduced for driving tests and driving licences and a distinction was made between the test of competence and the test of fitness. Mopeds were placed in their own vehicle group for driving test purposes. 1964 A voluntary register of approved driving instructors (ADIs) was set up under the Road Traffic Act 1962. To become an ADI you had to pass stringent written and practical tests. 1965 Centralised licensing system was set up at new Swansea Driver and Vehicle Licensing Centre ( DVLC ), taking over licence issue from County/Borough councils. The application form for a driving or motorcycle licence was revised from 1 May 1965. The medical standard for eyesight was changed. The distance from which a driving test candidate must be able read a number plate was changed to 67 feet for 3 1/8 inch high characters. 1967 On 10 May 1967, The Road Safety Act 1967 paved the way for regulations covering the licensing and testing of HGV drivers.

The Driving and Motor Licences Division began promoting safe driving through film and TV ‘shorts’. New drink-drive laws came into force on 8 October 1967. The legal limit was 80mg alcohol in 100ml blood. 1968 The test fee was increased to £1 and 15 shillings (£1.75p) on 2 July 1968. 1969 Changes to the driving test from 2 June 1969 included: vehicles used in the test must not have dual accelerator control unless this had been made inoperable a separate driving licence group for automatic vehicles was introduced candidates were required to produce their driving licence to the examiner at the test and sign the examiner’s attendance record - examiners could refuse to conduct a test if these requirements were not met The Vehicle and Driver Licences Act introduced new regulations from 25 June 1969, including a licence fee increase and the specification of vehicle groupings for the purposes of driving tests. An up-to-date scheme was introduced for licensing and testing new lorry drivers on 4 August 1969. The first official driving manual was published in November 1969.

Called ‘Driving - the Ministry of Transport Manual’, it was priced 12/ 6d (62.5p). 'Driving - The Ministry of Transport Manual' 1970 All driving instructors now had to be officially registered. A total of 3,500 people are prosecuted for driving on a forged licence or wrongfully attempting to obtain a licence. The new HGV test prompted a change in PSV testing. Previously, vehicle inspectors had carried out PSV driving tests: this was taken over by HGV qualified examiners. 1972 The demand for driving tests rose by 20% in 1972, and a further 15% in the following year, leading to a huge backlog of tests. The minimum age for riders of motorbikes over 50cc was raised from 16 to 17 from 16 December 1972. 1973 Safety helmets were made compulsory for moped and motorcycle riders. The top speed for mopeds was set at 30mph. Computerised driving licences were issued from 1 March 1973, with green paper licences replacing the old-style red booklets.

A full licence was still only valid for 3 years. 1975 Candidates no longer have to demonstrate arm signals in the driving test from May 1975. 1976 Full licences become valid until the age of 70 from 1 January 1976. In July 1976, the Stanmore training school where examiners were trained was relocated to new premises at Cardington, Bedfordshire. Newly recruited ‘L’ test examiners had to undergo four weeks of training. 1981 The government produced a 3 point package of changes: the maximum size of learner machines was reduced to 125cc provisional motorcycling licence entitlement was limited to 2 years a 2-part test was introduced with the intention of reducing accidents by steering learners to take training with approved organisations on suitable motorcycles - the first part of the test included some basic off-road motorcycle control exercises - usually conducted at large goods vehicle (LGV) centres - the second part included the usual on-road riding 1982 Provisional licences were extended until the age of 70 from 1 October 1982. 1985 PSV driving tests became compulsory in March 1985.

Previously, Traffic Commissioners decided whether local applicants took the test. 1988 Driving tests were now conducted under the provisions of the Road Traffic Act 1988. 1989 A new accompanied motorcycle test was introduced on 1 October 1989. Prompted by alarming accident figures, the old-style ‘part 2’ motorcycle test, where the examiner stood by the roadside, was replaced by the new, more demanding ‘pursuit test’. The examiner now follows the candidate on a motorcycle and maintains radio contact during the test. 1990 The Driving Standards Agency ( DSA ) was created as an executive agency of the Department for Transport (DfT) on 1 April 1990. DVLC became an executive agency of DfT and was renamed the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA). Provisional licence holders were prevented from carrying pillion passengers, even if the passenger is a full licence holder. Compulsory Basic Training ( CBT ) was introduced for all new learner riders of motorcycles and mopeds. CBT comprises 5 elements including a minimum two-hour accompanied road ride.

The course was designed to ensure new riders have a basic level of competence before they are allowed to ride on public roads displaying L plates and continue the learning process. From 1 May 1990, examiners gave candidates a brief explanation of faults committed during the test, plus advice on areas for improvement. Under new legislation, anyone accompanying a learner driver from October 1990 must be at least 21 and must have held a driving licence for a minimum of 3 years. 1995 The Pass Plus scheme was introduced in November 1995 to help newly qualified young drivers gain valuable driving experience and reduce the risk of them being involved in an accident. 1996 A separate written theory test was introduced on 1 July 1996. It replaced questions asked about the Highway Code during practical test. Candidates now have to produce their driving licence for their test. The theory test pass mark was raised from 26/35 to 30/35 on 1 October 1996. 1997 Introduction of additional licence categories and tests for learners aged over 21 years riding larger motorcycles (Direct Access Scheme) and small motorcycles.

New riders under 21 years restricted to riding machines of 125cc whilst learning. Once they pass the test they were then restricted to riding machines of 25kw (33bhp) for two years. After this period they could ride any size of motorcycle. New licence and test changes on 1 January 1997 included: a new test category was created for a car with large trailer (B+E) licence categories and tests were introduced for Direct Access and small motorcycles the written theory test was introduced for LGV and PCV drivers Photographic ID was required for both practical and theory tests from 1 March 1997. From 1 June 1997, if a new driver gained 6 or more penalty points during the first 2 years of driving, they lost their licence and must retake both the theory and practical driving test before being allowed back on the roads.

On 29 September 1997, waiting times between tests were reintroduced for unsuccessful candidates: for car drivers and motorcycle riders, the minimum wait of 10 days between tests of the same category for lorry and bus driver testing, a minimum wait of 3 days between tests of the same category 1999 The newly revised Highway Code was published in February 1999, with current advice and up-to-date legislation for all road users. From 6 April 1999, cars being used for a driving test must have a front passenger seat belt, head restraint and rear-view mirror. Changes to the ‘L’ test on 4 May 1999 included extending the length of the test, randomising the emergency stop manoeuvre and failing candidates for committing 16 or more driving faults. Photocard licences were introduced from 1 July 1999 for both first time issues and licence renewals. 2000 The touch-screen theory test was introduced on 4 January 2000. The touch-screen theory test was introduced in 2000.

2001 Drivers getting a full car licence from 1 February 2001 must now pass compulsory basic training ( CBT ) before being allowed to ride a moped. Various changes to the motorcycle training regulations were introduced, including the: reduction of the validity period for a CBT certificate from 3 to 2 years removal of the 2 year on - 1 year off rule for provisional licence holders requirement for drivers gaining a full car licence to take CBT before being able to ride a moped Candidates could book their theory test via the internet from 19 December 2001. 2002 A hazard perception element was introduced into the car and motorcycle theory test; this uses video clips to test candidates’ awareness of hazards on the road. 2003 ‘Show me’ and ‘tell me’ vehicle safety questions were added to the beginning of the driving test on 1 September 2003. Candidates could book their practical test on the internet for the first time from 24 October 2003. 2006 The enhanced rider scheme for motorcyclists was launched in November 2006.

2007 The register of post-test motorcycle training ( RPMT ) was introduced in February 2007. The number of questions in car and motorcycle theory test changed from 35 to 50 on 3 September 2007 - the pass rate became 43 out of 50. The 2007 edition of The Highway Code was published. 2008 An assessment of eco-safe driving was introduced in the driving test in September 2008. The Driver Certificate of Professional Competence ( CPC ) was introduced for professional bus and coach drivers on 10 September 2008. 2009 A new 2-part modular motorcycle test was introduced on 27 April 2009. It enabled the UK to comply with the EU Second Directive requiring new and more demanding manoeuvres to be tested: module 1 contains the specified manoeuvres element of the test which is conducted off-road. It includes exercises designed to assess the rider’s ability to control their machine safely, including avoidance and emergency stop exercises module 2 includes an eyesight test and 30 minutes of on-road riding, assessing the rider’s ability to safely interact with other road users.

A new 2-part modular motorcycle test was introduced on 27 April 2009. Driver CPC for lorry drivers was introduced on 10 September 2009. A case study was introduced into the theory test on 28 September 2009. 2010 From 6 April 2010, driving test candidates have been encouraged to take their instructor with them on their test. ‘ Independent driving ’ became part of the practical driving test on 4 October 2010. Candidates have to drive for 10 minutes making their own decisions. 2011 A new case study was introduced into the theory test in September 2011. 2013 New rules affecting motorcyclists in Great Britain were introduced on 19 January 2013. They included changes to motorcycles you can ride and the age you have to be to ride them. 2014 DSA and the Vehicle and Operator Services Agency ( VOSA ) merged to create the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency ( DVSA ) on 2 April 2014. DVSA is an executive agency of the Department for Transport.

The launch of the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency in April 2014. On 7 April 2014, driving test candidates were stopped from being able to use foreign language voiceovers and interpreters on their theory and practical driving tests. The change was made to cut out the risk of fraud, and to make sure that all drivers can read road signs and fully understand the rules of the road. The ADI check test was replaced by the ADI standards check on 7 April 2014. This assesses the ADI ’s ability to instruct and whether their instruction helps a person to learn in an effective way. At the same time a new grading system for ADIs was introduced. 2015 New computer-generated imagery (CGI) clips replaced old filmed clips in the hazard perception part of the theory test on 12 January 2015. An old-style video clip (left) and an updated CGI clip (right). British Driving Test - The History British Driving Test - The History 1888 The first recorded sale of a manufactured motor car was to Emile Roger of Paris, who bought a petrol-driven Benz.

1896 The first recorded accident was in Croydon and Bridgett Driscoll. She was on her way to a dancing display at Crystal Palace when she was run over by a Roger-Benz Car. The coroner hoped it would never happen again. January 28, 1896 It was on this day in England that a speed demon named Walter Arnold earned the first citation for exceeding the speed limit. Arnold was blazing along at 8 miles per hour in a 2 mile an hour zone. He was charged 1 shilling for the infraction. 1907 Cabs with meters began operating in London. 1930 Regulations introduced covering endorsements fitness declaration. Age restrictions and a form of driving test brought in for disabled drivers. Full licences for disabled drivers valid for a year. The Road Traffic Act 1930 introduces licensing system for PSVs. 1931 PSV drivers could be required to take a test, at the discretion of Traffic Commissioners. First edition of the Highway code introduced. 16 February 1934 Licences for lorry drivers are introduced under the Road Traffic Act, 1934.

The licensing authority may require the applicant to submit to a practical test of their ability. 1934 ‘Belisha’ beacons provide advanced warning of new pedestrian crossings. 1935 A 30 mph speed limit introduced in urban areas. Windscreen wipers used for the first time. 16 March 1935 Voluntary testing is introduced by the Road Traffic Act, 1934, to avoid a rush of candidates when the test becomes compulsory. Mr J Beene is the first person to pass his driving test, at a cost of 7 shillings 6d. 1 June 1935 Compulsory testing brought in for all drivers who started driving on or after 1 April 1934: around 246,000 candidates apply and the pass rate is 63%, with 250 examiners taking at least nine and up to sixteen, half-hour driving tests a day. Examining staff also make all test bookings. There are no test centres: examiners meet candidates at a pre-arranged spot such as a car park or railway station.

Anyone buying a driving licence must put ‘L’ plates on the car and eventually take a driving test to get their full licence. 1 January 1937 Speedometers and safety glass in windscreens are made compulsory. Provisional licences are brought in for HGV drivers. 2 September 1939 Driving tests suspended for the duration of World War Two and resumed on 1 November 1946. During the war, examiners are designated Traffic Officers and supervise fuel rationing. 1 January 1940 HGV licences and tests are suspended during World War Two. 18 February 1947 A period of a year granted for wartime provisional licences to be converted into a full licence without passing the test. 1950 The pass rate for the driving test is 50%. 1951 The test fee doubles from 10 shillings to £1. 24 November 1956 Testing suspended again during the Suez Crisis. Learners allowed driving unaccompanied and examiners help to administer petrol rations. Testing is resumed on 15 April 1957 and has continued uninterrupted ever since.

15 July 1957 Provisional licences are no longer over-stamped with ‘passed test’ 1 September 1957 The three-year driving licence is introduced under the Road Traffic Act 1956. The fee for a replacement licence, if lost or defaced, rises by 150% from 1 shilling to 2 shillings 6d. 1 March 1958 Provisional licences are valid for six months December 1958 The M6 Preston Bypass was the first stretch of motorway built. 2 November 1959 The M1 was officially opened. In the early days there was no speed limit, no central reservation, no crash barriers and no motorway lighting. 1959 Examiner training transferred to the newly acquired Stanmore Training School. Up until now, examiners have been trained ‘on the job’ 1 July 1961 Learner riders are restricted to machines of 250 cc capacity, to try to reduce motorcyclist fatality figures.

1 April 1962 People who have held more than seven provisional licences are required to take a driving test; if they fail to do so, the licensing authority may refuse a further application for a licence. 1963 New grouping systems are introduced for driving tests and driving licences and a distinction is made between the test of competence and the test of fitness. The Road Traffic Act 1962 permits riders to ride motorcycles of more than 250 cc after passing their test. Mopeds are placed in their own vehicle group for driving test purposes. 1964 A voluntary register of Approved Driving Instructors (ADIs) set up under the Road Traffic Act 1962. To become an ADI you have to pass stringent written and practical tests. From 1970, all driving instructors must be officially registered. 1965 Centralised licensing system set up at new Swansea DVLC, taking over licence issue from County/Borough Councils. 1 May 1965 The application form for a driving licence is revised. The distance from which a driving test candidate must be able read a number plate is changed to 67 feet for 3 ⅛ inch high characters.

1967 The Driving and Motor Licences Division (DML) begins promoting safe driving through film and TV ‘shorts’. 10 May 1967 The Road Safety Act 1967 paves the way for regulations covering the licensing and testing of HGV drivers. 8 October 1967 New drink-drive laws come into force: the legal limit is 80 mg alcohol in 100 ml blood. 2 July 1968 The test fee rises to £1:15 shillings. 2 June 1969 Vehicles used in the test must not have dual accelerator control unless this has been made inoperable. A separate driving licence group for automatic vehicles is introduced. Candidates are required to produce their driving licence to the examiner at the test and sign the examiner’s attendance record. Examiners may refuse to conduct a test if these requirements are not fulfilled. 25 June 1969 The Vehicle and Driver Licences Act introduces new regulations, including a licence fee increase and the specification of vehicle groupings for the purposes of driving tests. 4 August 1969 An up-to-date scheme is introduced for licensing and testing new lorry drivers.

November 1969 The first official driving manual published, called ‘Driving – the Ministry of Transport Manual’, priced 12 shillings 6 d. 1970 A total of 3,500 people are prosecuted for driving on a forged licence or wrongfully attempting to obtain a licence. 1970 The new HGV test prompts a change in PSV testing. Until now vehicle inspectors have carried out PSV driving tests: this is taken over by examiners who are now HGV qualified. 1972 The demand for driving tests rises by 20%, and a further 15% in the following year, leading to a huge backlog of tests. 16 December 1972 The minimum age for riders of motorbikes over 50cc is raised from 16 to 17. 1973 Crash helmets are made compulsory. The top speed for mopeds is set at 30 mph. 1 March 1973 Computerised driving licences are issued for the first time, with green paper licences replacing the old-style red booklets. A full licence is still only valid for three years.

May 1975 Candidates no longer have to demonstrate arm signals 1 January 1976 Full licences are now valid until the holder’s 70th birthday. July 1976 The Driving Establishment for testing examiners moves to Cardington. Newly recruited ‘L’ test examiners undergo four weeks of training. 1 October 1982 Provisional licences are extended until the age of 70. March 1985 Passenger service vehicle (PSV) driving tests become compulsory. Up until now, Traffic Commissioners decided whether local applicants took the test. 1988 A separate written theory test introduced, replacing questions asked about the Highway Code during practical test. Candidates now have to produce their driving licence for their test. 1 October 1996 The theory test pass mark is raised from 26/35 to 30/35 1 January 1997 A new test category is created for a car with large trailer (B+E). Licence categories and tests are introduced for Direct Access and small motorcycles The written theory test is introduced for LGV and PCV drivers.

1 March 1997 Photographic ID is now required for both practical and theory tests 1 June 1997 If a new driver gains six or more penalty points during the first two years of driving, they lose their licence and must retake both the theory and practical driving test before being allowed back on the roads 29 September 1997 For car and motorcycle drivers, the minimum wait between tests of the same category is reintroduced for unsuccessful candidates, set at ten days. For lorry and bus driver testing, a minimum wait of three days between tests of the same category for unsuccessful candidates is introduced. August 1998 Photocard licences introduced. From 1 July 1999 all licences, both first time issues and renewals, must be photocard. February 1999 The newly revised Highway Code is published, with current advice and up-to-date legislation for all road users. 6 April 1999 Cars being used for a driving test must now have a front passenger seat belt, head restraint and rear-view mirror.

4 May 1999 Changes to the ‘L’ test include extending the length of the test, randomising the emergency stop manoeuvre and failing candidates for committing 16 or more driving faults 4 January 2000 The touch-screen theory test is introduced. 1 February 2001 People gaining a full car licence from now on must pass Compulsory Basic Training (CBT) before being allowed to ride a moped. Various changes to the motorcycle training regulations are introduced, including: - the reduction of the validity period for a CBT certificate from three to two years - the removal of the ‘two year on - one year off’ rule for provisional licence holders - the requirement for people gaining a full car licence to take CBT before being able to ride a moped. 19 December 2001 Candidates can now book their theory test via the internet 14 November 2002 A hazard perception element is introduced into the theory test; this uses video clips to test candidates’ awareness of hazards on the road. 1 September 2003 “Show me” “tell me” vehicle safety questions added to the beginning of the driving test.

24 October 2003 Candidates can book their practical test on the Internet for the first time 3 September 2007 Number of questions in car and motorcycle theory test changes from 35 to 50 September 2008 Eco-safe driving assessment introduced in driving test September 2008 The Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC) is launched for professional bus and coach drivers April 2009 New two-part motorcycle test is introduced September 2009 A case study is introduced into the theory test to assess a candidate’s understanding of driving theory September 2009 Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC) is launched for professional lorry drivers 6 April 2010 ‘Observer on test’ – candidates now encouraged to take their instructor with them on test. Click the link below to view the first 'First Driving Test' video on 'History Today' website.

Question: In which year were TV licences introduced in the UK?
Answer: 1946