<P> Mandatory licensing for drivers came into force on 1 January 1904 after the Motor Car Act 1903 received royal assent in the United Kingdom . Every car owner had to register their vehicle with their local government authority and be able to prove registration of their vehicle on request . The minimum qualifying age was set at 17 . The licence gave its holder ' freedom of the road ' with a maximum 20 mph ( 32 km / h ) speed limit . Compulsory testing was introduced in 1934 , with the passing of the Road Traffic Act . </P>
when was the first driver 's license required
1 January 1904 after the Motor Car Act 1903 received royal assent in the United Kingdom