SEVENTY years ago this week the first person in the UK, a Mr J Beene, sat and passed a driving test. Now, more than one million people are tested every year. Frank Elson looks at the changing face of the driving test.

SINCE 1935, more than 87 million driving tests have been conducted in Great Britain. Voluntary testing was introduced to avoid a rush of candidates when the test became compulsory for all car drivers on June 1, 1935 and in that year the number of road deaths fell by approximately 900.

In 1934, 7,343 people were killed as a result of road accidents with only 2,500,000 vehicles on Great Britain's roads. In 2003, 3,508 people were killed with more than 30 million vehicles on the road.

Since its introduction the test has been adapted to reflect advances in car design and changing road lay-outs:

Arm signals were removed from the test in 1975

In 1994 a new test centre was opened in Bolton's Weston Street

Since 1996, drivers and motorcyclists have had to pass the theory test, a written test of knowledge, before they are able to take the practical driving test.

A video hazard perception test was introduced in 2002 to help new drivers recognise potential road dangers

Two 'Show me, Tell me' questions involving vehicle safety and maintenance were introduced at the beginning of the practical test in September 2003.

World events have also had an impact upon driving tests, which were suspended for the duration of World War Two and again during the Suez Crisis.

The Driving Standards Agency (DSA) now conducts 1.3 million car tests and 1.4 million theory tests a year, and 32 million people in the UK currently hold driving licences. The current pass rate is 43 per cent.

Transport secretary Alistair Darling said: "The driving test has changed dramatically since the first Mr Beene passed his test. Recent changes ensure new drivers prepare for their driving career, not just to pass a test.

"Today, we have a one of the best road safety records in the world. The number of road casualties is at its lowest for nearly 50 years, but more needs to and will be done to make roads safer."

Driving Standard Agency chief executive Gary Austin said: "Motoring in general is vastly different now compared to 1935. Our job is to rise to that challenge by matching the level of the driving test to the rigours of driving today on Britain's roads.

"It has been an incredible 70 years, and we look forward to ensuring safety on our roads through the test for drivers of tomorrow."

FACT FILE:

In 1991, Anne Appleton of Bradshaw passed her driving test at the age of 78 - at the ninth attempt. She passed her final test with flying colours and her instructor said that she was an example to us all.

In 1967, Lily Eaton, of Daisy Hill, Westhoughton passed her test at the 13th attempt - and promptly took to her bed suffering from shock. Lilly, aged 46, had spent £250 on secret lessons and tests after her ninth failure when her husband John banned her from learning in his car.

When two Horwich men appeared at Liverpool Crown Court accused of attempting to cheat the driving test in 1963, even the judge joined in the laughter. For one of the men, an experienced driver, stood in for his friend and neighbour and took a driving test in his name - and failed!

The men were both fined - and banned from driving.

The first driving tests cost just 10 shillings (50p). By 1970 the fee had risen to £1.15s (£1.75p) but was almost doubled in 1971 - to a huge public outcry - to £3 5s (£3.25). Today, the theory test costs £20.50p and a weekday practical test £42.00, a total of £62.50.

Amusing anecdotes:

WHEN the new driving test centre in Weston Street opened in 1994, the flowing wine contributed to instructors revealing a few amusing answers given to questions:

Examiner: Where would you not park your car at night? Candidate: Breightmet

Examiner: What would you do in fog: Candidate: Stay in

Examiner: What road signs would you expect to see in the country that you probably wouldn't see in town? Candidate: Fresh farm eggs.

And, when a young woman failed her test she asked the examiner how long it would take her to attain passing standard. The examiner replied: "How long will it take me to learn to knit?""