Home > News > Driver Licences > Happy 76th birthday” to the compulsory driving test Happy 76th birthday” to the compulsory driving test June 2, 2011 Driver Licences, Road Safety Drivers who started driving on or after 1st of April 1934 had to take a compulsory driving test as introduced on June 1st 1935. The test cost 37½ pence with a pass rate of 63%.