Driving Licences

UK driving licences were first introduced in 1903 and anyone over 17 could apply for one, at a cost of 5/- (five shillings) per year. Driving tests did not come into the picture until 1934.

Today’s driving licences must be renewed every 10 years and when the driver reaches the age of 70. Thereafter, it must be renewed every three years. When renewing, you have the chance to change the photo on your licence to a more recent one. The fees for a new or replacement licence can be viewed on the Government website here.

When learning to drive, the first step is to apply for a provisional licence. This enables the holder to have lessons. The Highway Code must be learned and, when ready, the theory test is booked. If that is passed, the driving test can be booked. The driving part of the test takes about 40 minutes and various manoeuvres must be carried out, as directed by the examiner, as well as following an unknown route as directed by a sat-nav device.

Many people do not pass these tests the first time, but they can always book again…

(Top image: Phil Champion at geograph.org.uk / CC BY-NC 2.0)