Compulsory Driving Tests 90 Years On

23rd July 2025​

As the UK marks 90 years of compulsory driving tests, new findings from the AA Driving School suggest that a large number of motorists aren’t confident they’d pass a modern driving test if they had to retake it today.

The research, released to commemorate the milestone, reveals that just 32% of drivers are “very confident” they could successfully retake their practical driving test. Confidence was even lower when it came to the theory test, with only 17% expressing the same assurance.

Unsurprisingly, younger drivers felt more assured than their older counterparts. While 40% of drivers aged under 65 reported being very confident of passing again, only 30% of those aged over 65 shared the same confidence.

When asked what might cause them to fail, drivers cited a range of issues for both the practical and theory elements. Bad habits topped the list for the practical test, with 73% admitting these would likely trip them up. Nerves (33%), difficulty with reversing manoeuvres (30%) and following sat nav directions (25%) were also key concerns.

On the theory side, 88% said their knowledge of the Highway Code might let them down, followed by a lack of familiarity with other theoretical areas (50%), road rules (46%), road signs (38%) and hazard perception (32%).

Compulsory testing came into force on 1 June 1935, targeting anyone who began driving from 1 April 1934 onwards. Before that, tests were optional.​

A comparison of 1935 and 2025 shows how much the process has developed:

63% in 1935, down to 49% today

From 30 minutes of driving to today’s 40-minute practical test and an 80-minute theory component

Hill starts, emergency stops, Highway Code understanding and use of arm signals

Eyesight check, reversing, general driving skills, 20 minutes of independent driving, ‘Show Me Tell Me’ questions and a separate theory test

In 1935, there were 250 driving examiners and candidates had to meet them at public locations, such as train stations or post offices. Today, the UK has around 1,627 examiners and roughly 320 driving test centres.

The cost has also changed dramatically. The original test fee was 7 shillings and sixpence. Now, practical tests cost £63 on weekdays and £75 during evenings or weekends, while the theory test is priced at £23.​

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