Long waiting times, electric cars and ring roads among the modern challenges as the driving test turns 90
It's a testing time for learners on the 90th anniversary of compulsory driving tests in the UK with long waiting lists among the challenges.
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The road exam system was introduced on June 1, 1935 for all drivers and riders who started driving on or after April 1, 1934 to tackle the rising death toll on the roads. Prior to this testing had been done on a purely voluntary basis.
By the Second World War the government realised a better system needed to be put in place.
In 1935, Sir Malcolm Campbell became the first person to drive at speeds greater than 300mph recording a land-speed record at the Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah. He also offered tips on how to get pass the newly launched driving test in a short film produced by the Ford Motor Company at the time.
Back then the test lasted 30 minutes when compared to today's 40 minutes on the road and the 80-minute theory test.
These days learner drivers have to navigate a theory exam comprising multiple choice questions and a hazard perception exercise before getting behind the wheel for the all-important practical road test.
Driving Standards Agency has set a test wait target of seven weeks, but latest figures by AA Driving School researchers show that applicants are actually waiting an average 21.3 weeks to secure slot for the practical exam. In April the number of driving test centres showing the maximum wait of 24 weeks has risen to 79 per cent of test centres.
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.
“Learners today can take lessons with a qualified instructor on the motorway and must show they can follow directions from a sat nav or road signs. 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.”
