12:16pm UK, Saturday March 12, 2005

As the driving test celebrates its 70th anniversary a survey shows a third of people fear they would fail their test if forced to take it again today. Did you know?

Driving test's 70th anniversary

:: The driving test was introduced on March 13, 1935.

:: When the test was brought in 70 years ago there were only 1.5 million registered vehicles.

:: The year before the compulsory test was brought in, 7,000 people were killed as a result of road accidents.

:: Introduced as a safety measure, it saw fatal and serious injuries fall by 17% within three years.

:: Hand signals were removed in 1975 and a video hazard perception test introduced in 2002.

:: Since 1996, drivers have to pass the written Theory Test before they are able to take the practical driving test.

:: Two "Show me" "Tell me" questions involving vehicle safety were introduced at the beginning of the practical test in September 2003.

:: The Driving Standards Agency conducted 1.3 million tests for car drivers and 1.4 million theory tests in 2002/2003.

:: There are 1,635 driving test examiners in the UK and 31,000 people registered as driving instructors with the DSA.

:: The cost of taking a practical car driving test rose in December from £39 to £42.