Ref. 29744-115THE driving test has just celebrated its 70th birthday, prompting elderly Swindon drivers to recall the days when they ruled the roads.

When 91-year-old Eric Pope from Moredon passed his test in July 1935 his Austin Seven was the only car for streets around.

"The roads were pretty empty and I always took a spare can of petrol because garages were few and far between," he said.

Eric passed on his first attempt. He reckons the roads have become less civilised over the years.

"Back then people were very courteous but nowadays it's every man for himself," he said.

Eric still owns a clean driving licence, although he has not driven for five years. He said he was sure he could pass his test again if he took it today.

Charles Mills, 86, caused confusion when he turned up to take his test on his motorbike in 1935.

"The examiner told me he didn't know what to do because I was the first one to take it in a motorcycle," said Charles.

"He asked me a few questions about the Highway Code and I read a number plate, then I had to ride down Eastcott Hill and back again, giving my signals."

The whole thing took about 10 minutes, and the former motor mechanic passed first time.

Charles said the first person to have taken the test in a car in Swindon was Alan Raines, a vet from Wootton Bassett.

George Connell, 70, from Chiseldon, is nostalgic for the days when finding a parking space was simple and stress-free.

At the time he passed his test on his second attempt in the late 1950s his was one of only half a dozen cars in his road.

"Now you can't park and the cars are nose to wheel all down the street," he said.

George, a former railway engineer, said he believed driving standards had slipped. The other day he spotted a driver smoking a cigarette and talking on his phone at the same time.

"Once they have passed their test most people drive extremely badly," he said.

"And if you ask most people to quote the Highway Code they can't."

Another big difference is the quality of cars.

"Most people had bangers in those days," he recalled.

"When I took my test my car had a flat battery and I couldn't turn the engine off in case it wouldn't start again.

"It certainly would have failed an MOT."

Tests in the early days were organised from a centre in Lethbridge Road, Old Town, which was replaced in the early 1980s by the current centre in Marlborough Lane.

Attempting the test in 1935 would have cost about 10 shillings (50p). These days learning to drive costs a little more.

A provisional licence sets learners back £38 before they have even climbed into the driver's seat. A theory test must be passed, costing £20.50 per attempt, and the practical test is £39.

But it's not all bad news. Over the last 70 years, fatalities on British roads have halved, despite the fact that there are up to 11 times more vehicles. In 1934 there were around 2.4 million motor vehicles on the roads, with over 7,000 people killed as a result of road accidents.

Today, there are over 27 million vehicles on the roads, and around 3,500 fatalities.

Andy Tate