The Highway Code then and now – how 95 years have changed the rules of the road
Published 8 April 2026
Last updated 13 April 2026
In this blog, we walk you through the biggest changes in The Highway Code and driving - from rules you might have never even imagined, to changes you can still read about today.
Where it all began
Can you believe it’s been 95 years since the first edition of The Highway Code? Published on 14 April 1931, it’s been around longer than driving tests (yes, really!) and can genuinely claim to be the backbone of road safety in the UK.
Hand signals, anyone?
The very first edition of The Highway Code was only 18 pages long and contained advice on important topics like using hand signals. We’re willing to bet that you’ve never used a hand signal when you drive (except perhaps, if your indicators or brake lights have failed and you need to warn other drivers), but back in 1931, it was the only way you could let other road users know that you were about to manoeuvre your vehicle. This only changed when the government passed a law requiring vehicle manufacturers to fit indicators from 1 January 1936.
The amazing thing is that hand signals are still an essential part of The Highway Code today. Open yours (or visit our shop if you need a copy) and look for the ‘signals to other road users’ section. It might not seem important, but hand signals are good skills to have if your car develops a fault, and you need to clearly show whether you're turning or braking.
Speaking of driving tests
Remember we said that The Highway Code is older than the driving test? Well, it’s true. Driving tests were introduced, firstly on a voluntary basis, in 1935, and only made compulsory in June of that year.
Signs of the times
It would be fair to say that the first Highway Code contained far less information compared to today’s edition. For example, the 1931 edition only had 10 road signs! There’s nearly as many as that in our recent blog about unusual traffic signs, and now we need Know Your Traffic Signs to describe them all. How times change...
Understanding theory on the road
You might currently be studying for your theory test or know someone who is, so let’s go over how it’s changed.
After the rules of the road and driving tests were established, a written theory test was introduced in 1996. Nowadays the test consists of 2 parts – the multiple-choice section and the hazard perception section. The questions you’ll be asked in the multiple-choice section are based on 3 source materials – including The Highway Code! Learning the latest rules of the road will help you get ready for this part of your test.
Motorway guidance
Many of the changes to The Highway Code happened in response to the evolution of the road network. For example, the opening of the M1 in 1959 saw the introduction of motorway driving rules. Even though this famous motorway opened nearly 70 years ago, it took until 2018 before learner drivers were allowed to take motorway driving lessons. These lessons have to be with an ADI in a car equipped with dual controls.
Are you up to date with The Highway Code?
With all these changes in history, it’s hard to know how to keep up! Luckily, we’ve made it easy by keeping The Official Highway Code updated. You can read it on the go by downloading the app on Apple or Android or keeping the book in your glove compartment so it’s always with you.
Whatever changes are in store for the future, rest assured Safe Driving for Life will be here to let you know when there’s anything new! Follow us on social media or check out The Official Highway Code’s Facebook page to stay updated on the latest news.
