90 Years

Driving tests have now been compulsory for 90 years in the UK.

However, only a third of current drivers are confident they would pass a driving test re-take now.

As of 2025, an estimated 110 million practical driving tests have been conducted in the UK since 1935.

Not so simple

New research, from the AA Driving School, launched to coincide with the anniversary, shows only 32% of drivers are very confident they would pass a retake of their practical test today.

Just 17% felt the same about a retake of their theory test.

Unsurprisingly, younger drivers were more likely to feel very confident about passing a re-take compared to those over 65 (40% vs 30%).

When asked why they thought they would fail, in both the practical and theory tests, the top five reasons were:

Happy birthday

The UK driving test has undergone significant evolution since its inception, reflecting changes in road safety, vehicle technology, and societal needs.

Introduced on 1 June 1935, the driving test became a legal requirement for all new drivers (all drivers and riders who started driving on or after 1 April 1934) in Great Britain, following the Road Traffic Act 1934.

Prior to this, testing had been voluntary.

The test aimed to improve road safety amid increasing car ownership and rising crashes.

Initially, the test cost 7s 6d (about 37.5p) and was conducted by civilian examiners.

During World War II (1939–1946), testing was suspended, with temporary licenses issued instead.

After the war, testing resumed, and demand surged alongside the post-war car boom.

Looking at evolution

In 1956, the first significant reform introduced a compulsory eyesight check.

In 1975, candidates were required to demonstrate basic maintenance knowledge, such as checking oil levels.

The 1980s saw further tightening of the process.

In 1988, examiners began assessing drivers on their ability to reverse around a corner and perform a turn-in-the-road (the “three-point turn”).

A pivotal moment came in 1996, with the introduction of the theory test, replacing the examiner’s oral questions.

Initially paper-based, it moved to a computer-based system in 2000.

In 2002, the hazard perception component was added, using video clips to assess drivers’ awareness skills.

An automatic fail for serious faults as well as the independent driving section of the practical test were introduced in 2010, simulating real-life scenarios.

The 2017 test overhaul was another major milestone: the reverse around a corner and turn-in-the-road were removed, and replaced with more relevant manoeuvres such as parking in a bay and pulling up on the right.

Furthermore, the independent driving section was extended to 20 minutes, often using sat-navs.

In the 2020s, the test continued adapting to technological changes, including electric vehicle operation and driver-assist technologies.

Training increasingly incorporates eco-driving, safe use of in-car infotainment, and understanding semi-autonomous systems.

Along with this, the rise in automatic transmissions, including those of electric vehicles, meaning that manual driving test numbers are diminishing, and there are increasing calls for a change to the testing regime to more accurately reflect this fact with a combined test or short additional training for manual transmission cars instead of two separate tests and licences.

Flexibility?

Throughout its 90-year history, the UK driving test has continually adapted to reflect new challenges in road safety and vehicle use.

It remains a key safeguard in preparing drivers for the complex modern road environment.

The COVID-19 pandemic briefly suspended testing and then introduced new hygiene protocols, which also led to the now crippling waiting times for driving tests.

The provision of driving tests is under the spotlight now unlike at any other time in its history, with government ministers and the DVSA searching for solutions to what appears to be a growing and stubborn problem.

Not only does a driving licence provide autonomy, it is also essential for many jobs, access to education and training and an important ingredient in a growing economy.

Ch, ch, ch changes

BSM, founded in 1910 before the compulsory driving test, is the UK’s oldest driving school and is now owned by the AA.

The AA Driving School itself began in 1991 and last year alone supported more than 13,000 learners.

Emma Bush, managing director of AA Driving School, said: “The driving test was introduced to help stem the tide of rising road deaths.

“Safety has remained at its core and over time more features have been added to help ensure new drivers are as prepared as possible for life on the road.

“It’s a robust test, so it’s no wonder so many qualified drivers think they would struggle with a re-test.

“With electric vehicles gaining popularity; autonomous vehicle technology evolving and an ever greater focus on road safety, the next 90 years will undoubtedly bring many more changes to the test and process of learning to drive.”

Waiting times

Another big change to the driving test is the recent increase in waiting times to book a slot.

New data, from a Freedom of Information request to the DVSA by AA Driving School, shows average waiting times for a driving test have reached a new high, with learners typically facing waits of 21.3 weeks.

The number of driving test centres showing the maximum wait of 24 weeks has risen to an astonishing 79% of test centres (as of April 7th 2025).

In just two months the number of test centres with 24 week waits rose from 183 in February 2025 to 253 at the start of April 2025 – an increase of 38%.

There has been a small increase in the number of test centres with waits at or below the DVSA’s target of 7 weeks, from 14 in February 2025 to 20 in April 2025.