People often look back on driving in the ‘60s as if it was so much simpler and easier. In a way, this is true–there were far fewer precautions and safety measures, so we thought a lot less about what we were doing. However, that definitely wasn’t a good thing, as it meant that even a quick drive to the shop could be seriously risky. So, to remind ourselves of simpler, albeit more dangerous times, let’s reminisce over the dodgy ways that we used to drive in the ‘60s.
No Seat Belts as Standard
It’s pretty shocking to look back on cars in the 60s and realise that most cars didn’t even have seat belts fitted–let alone any legal requirement to wear them. At the time, the idea of buckling up wasn’t ingrained in drivers or passengers, and therefore, car interiors were designed with aesthetics rather than safety in mind. Bizarrely, a padded dashboard was considered cutting-edge, but realistically, this left very little to protect you in a collision beyond sheer luck.
Open Roads, Sparse Signs
Motorways were still a novelty during the 1960s, with the first stretch of the M1 only opening in 1959. Because of this, roads were much quieter and signage was less common to see, so drivers relied a lot more on navigating with maps or intuition. Sure, this made motorway driving a lot more exciting than it is today, but it was also a lot more dangerous considering that we kept taking our eyes off the road to check an Ordnance Survey!
Indicators? Use Your Hands
Amusingly, many older cars on the road in the 60s relied on hand signals instead of indicators, with drivers sticking their arms out of the window to signal a turn. Yes, this worked well enough in daylight, but rainy weather, nighttime, or a crowded high street quickly made this a serious hazard.
Children Bounced Around in the Back
Considering that seat belts were barely a thing in the ‘60s, car seats certainly weren’t a concern for parents, with the idea of buckling little ones into harnesses not having taken off yet. Naturally, this meant that kids often stood between the front seats or clambered over the back seats during a journey. It was even normal for families to pile into cars with children roaming freely, regardless of how fast they were going!
No Sat Nav, Just Paper Maps
As we briefly mentioned earlier, the glovebox staple during the 1960s was a fold-out map, rather than a sat nav. Even more inconvenient was how it required regular updates to keep up with new roads, so getting lost was always a genuine possibility. Ultimately, asking for directions was usually the only way out, but more common was high tensions when turns were missed.
Road Tax Discs on Display
These days, everyone taxes their car online, but back then, we displayed our tax discs on the windscreen–a small circle of paper that served as proof of payment. Forgetting to renew it or leaving it at home could have landed you in a lot of trouble, though enforcement was more forgiving than today’s number plate recognition systems.
Driving Schools Weren’t a Must
Believe it or not, many people in the ‘60s simply learned to drive informally, often with a parent or spouse. Professional driving instructors weren’t as common, and plenty of new drivers hit the roads without the benefit of proper lessons. Sure, there was an official test, but it wasn’t unusual for someone’s first trip to be on a busy road rather than in a quiet car park.
Petrol Stations Had Attendants
Back in the day, stopping for fuel was a more social experience, as attendants would pump your petrol and often clean your windscreen while you stayed seated–it was great! Self-service stations were unheard of, and, naturally, this meant that many drivers got to know their local petrol station workers quite well. It added a personal touch, though it wasn’t necessarily faster. If you miss this experience, head abroad to most countries in Europe, and you’ll get to revisit the memories!
Traffic Was Lighter but Rules Were Looser
One of the nice things about driving in the ‘60s was that congestion wasn’t the headache that it is today, as there were far fewer cars on the road. With that being said, though, rules like speed limits and safety restrictions were far more relaxed. Shockingly, drunk driving wasn’t taken nearly as seriously, and testing for blood alcohol levels was in its infancy, making for some alarming situations. We definitely prefer the health and safety of today!
Minimal Motorway Service Areas
Another way that driving was simpler yet riskier in the ‘60s was how the motorways weren’t lined with overpriced yet convenient service stations. Options were few and far between, often limited to small cafés or basic toilets. Therefore, long journeys required much better planning, with families packing flasks and sandwiches to tide them over between stops.
Manual Gearboxes Were the Norm
Manual gearboxes are still very common in the UK, but automatic cars are slowly starting to take over. Back in the old days, though, automatics were seen as something of a luxury–even being considered to be lazy and embarrassing! Regardless of the stigma, most drivers had to master the art of the clutch pedal and gearstick, which made steep hills and heavy traffic a challenge for those just starting out.
Classic Cars Had Character but Little Comfort
There’s no denying that our cars in the ‘60s had a sense of charm that is hard to find today. However, let’s be real–they lacked many of the convenient features that we now take for granted. For instance, heating was rudimentary, windscreen wipers struggled in heavy rain, and ventilation was as simple as opening a window. Frankly, driving in winter was borderline nightmarish without today’s modern comforts.
Road Rage Wasn’t a Term
While tempers still flared on occasion, the term “road rage” just didn’t exist in the 60s. Why? Well, as we discussed earlier, the pace of driving was so much slower and there were far fewer cars to compete with for space. That said, a quick toot of the horn or a shouted word out of the window wasn’t unheard of.
Parking Was Easier but Less Organised
We can all agree that finding a spot to park was much simpler during the ‘60s, thanks to there being fewer cars on the road and no multi-storey car parks to battle your way through. This wasn’t always a good thing, though; yes, parking regulations were more relaxed, but this meant that it wasn’t uncommon to see vehicles left in places that would raise eyebrows today.
Headlights Were Dimmer
Another way that driving was riskier in the ‘60s was how the quality of headlights was far inferior to today’s bright, LED options. People still drove at night, but it required a lot more focus, as visibility was generally limited. On rural roads, a single car’s dim beams sometimes struggled to illuminate much beyond the hedgerows, which is pretty crazy when you think about it.
No Central Locking or Alarms
In older cars, security was basic at best, with most cars relying on simple key locks. Central locking was non-existent, and alarms were a luxury for the wealthy few. Thankfully, leaving your car unattended wasn’t much of a concern in quieter areas, but theft eventually became a growing issue as cities grew busier.
No MOTs Until 1960
Did you know that the MOT test was only introduced in 1960!? Furthermore, it was initially only required for vehicles over ten years old, meaning that for the entirety of the sixties, many cars remained on the road in deeply questionable condition. Bald tyres, faulty brakes, or rusted frames were all hitting the road, and it was usually 100% legal!
Driving Was an Adventure
Above all, despite all the risks and limitations, most people would have to agree that driving was an absolute joy during the 60s. There was something about the fresh, quiet roads that offered a sense of freedom, and the lack of gadgets or distractions made it a more engaging experience. Overall, cars were more than a mode of transport; they were symbols of independence and adventure.
