TO mark the 70th anniversary of the driving test in 2005 motorists who sat tests, as either a learner or instructor, in the 1930s, 40s or 50s, are invited to share their memories.

The DfT and Driving Standards Agency which administers British driving tests are seeking people who had a funny or unique experience connected with their test - or are you one of those who didn't sit a test during WW11 or the Suez crisis but can drive legally?

The test was introduced to cut the number of road deaths. Believe it or not in 1934 7,000 people died as a result of road accidents and there were only a million and a half registered vehicles, compared with 32 million today.

Thankfully, Britain now has some of the safest roads in the world and the test has been changed to reflect advances in car design and road layout.

Those silly out of date hand signals were removed in 1975, and since 1996 drivers have had to pass a written theory exam before sitting the practical driving test. A video hazard test was introduced in 2002 and the following year show me, tell me questions involving vehicle safety were introduced at the beginning of the practical test.

Anyone wishing to share their memories should contact Clive Naish , email clive.naish@gnn.gsi.goc.uk or ring 0161 952 4517.

I passed my test first time but I don't know how. It was in the early 70s and I'd met a brilliant instructor through a friend. I went into the test at Widnes with great ability, but was a nervous wreck, and when I overtook a wagon in the first few minutes I thought I was done for.

When it came to the reversing round a corner, which was my weakest manoeuvre, I looked through the rear window and saw a car in the distance. I announced: "What's that prat doing, or words to that effect" and as a result I didn't have to reverse too far, thankfully.

The examiner told me at the end I hadn't frightened him one bit and I got my pink slip.

I absolutely loved driving for years, now it is just a chore. The amount of traffic on the roads has taken away every bit of pleasure.