#Average age driving test uk drivers#

The test was initially voluntary to avoid a rush of candidates until 1 June 1935 when all people who had started to drive on or after 1 April 1934 needed to have passed the test.

#Average age driving test uk drivers#

Legislation for compulsory testing was introduced for all new drivers with the Road Traffic Act 1934. These licences were only valid for one year from the date of issue. The Road Traffic Act 1930 introduced age restrictions and a test for disabled drivers this was the first formal driving test in the UK. The intention was purely to identify vehicles and their drivers. UK driving licences were introduced by the Motor Car Act 1903 but no test was required. To become a category B (car) licence holder, candidates pay £23 for the theory test and £62 (£45.50 in Northern Ireland ) for the practical driving test. The theory test has a pass rate of around 50%. Īround 1.6 million people sit the practical car test each year, with a pass rate of around 43%. In addition to a driving licence, a Compulsory Basic Training (CBT) certificate may be required before a moped or motorcycle is ridden. The minimum age at which one can take a UK driving test is currently 16 for mopeds and 17 for cars (16 for those on the higher/enhanced rate of the mobility component of DLA or PIP ). In Great Britain it is administered by the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) and in Northern Ireland by the Driver & Vehicle Agency (DVA). Tests vary depending on the class of vehicle to be driven. The United Kingdom driving test is a test of competence that UK residents take in order to obtain a full Great Britain or Northern Ireland (car) driving licence or to add additional full entitlements to an existing one.