When did driving licences start?

OVER the course of more than a century, driving licences have undergone some remarkable changes to reflect the way we use the road. 

So let’s take a look at the history of this remarkable document.

1

When did driving licences start?

1903

Driving licences were first introduced in Great Britain in 1903 under the Motor Car Act, simply 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.

1934

After a record number of road casualties, voluntary driving tests were introduced in 1934 under the Road Traffic Act.

It was to avoid a rush of candidates when tests became compulsory the following year.

1935

On June 1, driving tests were made compulsory for all new drivers.

1939

On September 2, driving tests were suspended for the duration of World War Two and resumed on November 1, 1946.

1947

From February 18, those with wartime provisional licences were given a year to convert them into full licence without passing the test.

1956

Testing became suspended during the Suez Crisis.

Learners were allowed to drive unaccompanied and examiners helped to administer petrol rations.

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.

1990

On April 1, the Driving Standards Agency (DSA) was created as an executive agency of the Department for Transport.

1995

In November 1995, the Pass Plus scheme was introduced to help newly qualified young drivers gain valuable driving experience and gain valuable driving experience and reduce the risk of them being involved in an accident.

1996

A separate written theory test was introduced on July 1, replacing questions asked about the Highway Code during practical test

1997

From March 1, photograph ID became required for both practical and theory tests.

1999

On April 6, 1999, cars being used for a driving test had to have a front seat belt, head restraint and rear-view mirror.

2002

A hazard perception element was introduced into the theory test, using video clips to test candidates’ awareness of hazards on the road.

2003

The Show me/Tell me vehicle safety questions were added to the beginning of the driving test from September 1, 2003.

2007

The number of theory test questions is increased from 35 to 50 and the new pass mark is 43.

The pass mark for the Hazard Perception Test for learners is 44 out of 75.