...Driving Test Failure Form

This is a driving test failure form from the mid 1960's These were normally handed to the applicant at the end of the test by the examiner with the dreaded words, "I'm sorry to tell you that on this occasion you have not reached the required standard.." Alternatively, if you had passed your test, you would be given a pink slip together with a comment such as, "I am pleased to tell you..."

I have removed the name and address of the candidate on this form for reasons of privacy. The person involved failed their driving test for improper use of mirrors, and then discarded the form, as its somewhat crumpled appearance attests.

Compulsory driving tests were introduced by the Road Traffic Act of 1934, but suspended during the Second World War. There are, therefore, still licenced drivers on the roads today who have not taken a driving test, as they learned to drive during the war, often for military purposes.