Drive It Day 2025

Drive It Day 2025. Yesterday's Vehicles Supporting Today's Children. National Drive It Day was created by the Federation of British Historic Vehicle Clubs in 2005. It is the occasion when historic vehicle enthusiasts and the public at large have the opportunity to celebrate the One Thousand Mile Trial organised in 1900 to prove the viability of the new invention, the motor vehicle. It’s also a chance to raise awareness and support amongst the public for the historic vehicle movement and keeping transport heritage on UK roads. Please see the website for how to support the event. PLEASE NOTE: In 2025, to avoid a clash with the Easter weekend, the event is running on Sunday 27th April 2025, a week later than usual.Contact Details - :

Website - www.driveitday.co.uk/

Drive-it Day History

National Drive-It Day was created by the Federation of British Historic Vehicle Clubs in 2005.  

Held each year on a Sunday in April, it is the day  when historic vehicle enthusiasts and the public at large have the opportunity to celebrate the 'One Thousand Mile Trial'. This was an 11-day round-Britain public test, that started on 23 April 1900 to "prove the viability" of the then new-fangled invention - the motor car.

At the time, few believed that the invention would be suitable for use and most people had never even seen a car (much like 'flying taxis' today). The 'trial' started on 23 April 1900 and cars were limited to the then legal maximum of 14mph.

Organised by the Automobile Club, there were 83 entries of which 65 made it to the starting point at Grosvenor Place, London.  Six days in, by the time Edinburgh was reached, 51 cars were still running and 35 vehicles made it back to London, having covered 1,000 miles in the 11 days. 

Details of the original event, courtesy of Graces Guide to British Industrial History, are at www.gracesguide.co.uk/1900_One_Thousand_Mile_Trial and the site also has links to The Autocar magazine for the year of the event at www.gracesguide.co.uk/The_Autocar_1900