THE EVOLUTION OF THE DRIVING TEST

1931

The first edition of The Highway Code is published.

1935

A practical driving test becomes compulsory. There were no test centres, and examiners met candidates at pre-arranged locations such as railway stations. More than 46million tests have been taken.

1939

Driving tests are suspended on Sept 2 1939 for the Second World War. Examiners are redeployed to traffic duties and supervision of fuel rationing.

1969

A separate test for automatic vehicles is launched.

1996

The theory test is introduced, replacing questions about The Highway Code during the practical test.

1999

The length of the driving test is extended. The emergency stop, first introduced in the Thirties, is included on a random basis, and candidates can be failed for committing 16 or more driving faults or “minors”. Photocard licences are also introduced for the first time.

2002

A hazard perception element is introduced to the theory test.

2003

“Show me tell me” vehicle safety questions are added to the driving test.

2010

Independent driving is now part of the practical driving test. Candidates have to drive for 10 minutes with very little instruction from the examiner.

2017

The driving test changes on Dec 4 to include following directions from a satnav, testing different manoeuvres and answering a “show me” safety question while driving.