On this day in auto history – June 1st

Tue 1st Jun 2021

It was on this day in 1935 that a compulsory driving test was first introduced in Britain.

The test was a requisite for all drivers who started driving after April 1st 1934 and basically set the template for how it is today. There was no theory test but learner drivers were quizzed on their knowledge of the Highway Code before the practical exam started.

The practical element of the test lasted for approximately 30 minutes and included an emergency stop, a hill-start, and a three-point turn. Drivers also had to demonstrate their proficiency in hand-signalling, parking and number-plate reading.

According to the DVSA (Driver and Vehicles Standards Agency), 246,000 candidates applied to take the test when first introduced with the initial pass rate being 63%.

The tax values are provided by a third-party supplier and while every effort is made to ensure their accuracy please double check with your advisor. If the car was registered after 31/03/2017 then it is subject to new tax rules. All prices we display are for the cars second tax payment onwards. You can find out information on the cars first tax payment here

Cars registered on or after 1 April 2017

Rates for second tax payment onwards

Fuel type	Single 12 month payment	Single 12 month payment by Direct Debit	Total of 12 monthly payments by Direct Debit	Single 6 month payment	Single 6 month payment by Direct Debit
Petrol or diesel	£165	£165	£173.25	£90.75	£86.63
Electric	£0	N/A	N/A	£0	N/A
Alternative	£155	£155	£162.75	£85.25	£81.38

Alternative fuel vehicles include hybrids, bioethanol and liquid petroleum gas.

Vehicles with a list price of more than £40,000

You have to pay an extra £355 a year if you have a car with a ‘list price’ (the published price before any discounts) of more than £40,000. You do not have to pay this if you have a zero emission vehicle.

You only have to pay this rate for 5 years (from the second time the vehicle is taxed).

Check the list price with your dealer so you know how much vehicle tax you’ll have to pay.

Fuel type	Single 12 month payment	Single 12 month payment by Direct Debit	Total of 12 monthly payments by Direct Debit	Single 6 month payment	Single 6 month payment by Direct Debit
Petrol or diesel	£520	£520	£546	£286	£273
Alternative	£510	£510	£535.50	£280.50	£267.75