There Must Be a Better Way

Incredible as it sounds, it was not until the mid-1930s - when some 7000 people a year were being slaughtered in road traffic accidents - that any legislation to monitor the competence of Britain's driving population was finally considered appropriate.

The first examinations were restricted to those in charge of public service vehicles. It was not until 1935 that Transport Minister, Leslie Hore-Belisha (also responsible for the orange flashing 'Belisha Beacon' at pedestrian crossings) introduced the now compulsory procedure for all private motorists.

Since the inception of the modern driving test, the humble number plate has played a significant role far removed from its original purpose. It provides the sole method used to test a candidate's eyesight before they are allowed to proceed with the practical examination.

All rookie drivers are required to be able to read the characters of a 'new-style' licence plate from a distance of 20 metres.

This crude evaluation has often been called into question. After all, many other factors are overlooked. For example, afflictions like 'tunnel vision' may be far more significant than the ability simply to be able to focus on a small area.

You may not be aware that the current rules allow the candidate two attempts at the task before the examiner is required to actually verify the exact distance with a tape measure, which he is obliged to carry for this purpose.

It would surely make far more sense for such a potentially 'Pythonesque' situation to be replaced by a comprehensive examination by a qualified optician during the preliminary 'theory' stage.

In any event, perhaps a section on common sense would be a useful addition to the curricula of both drivers and politicians.

Incidentally, the very first person to pass a UK test was a Mr Beene. [No, he wasn't driving a Mini!]

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