James May has spent decades behind the wheel of some of the world’s most extraordinary cars, but recently the former Top Gear and The Grand Tour presenter decided to revisit a challenge he hadn’t faced since 1980 – the driving test.
The 63-year-old motoring enthusiast took a modern UK driving test to see whether four decades of experience would be enough to earn him another pass. Despite millions of miles driven across countless countries, May admitted he hadn’t revised or brushed up on any changes to the rules before climbing into the examiner’s car.
His experiment was documented on his YouTube channel, where he approached the challenge with his trademark humor and curiosity.
How Driving Tests Have Changed Since 1980
A lot has changed since May first earned his licence. Modern vehicles are packed with technology, and driving exams have evolved alongside them.
Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), lane-keeping aids, speed warnings and stop-start systems are now common features in many cars.
Before setting off, May joked about switching off several of these features, describing them as “instruments of tyranny” and declaring himself “a free man.”
The veteran presenter had no issues answering the vehicle safety questions, including those relating to tyre pressures and basic maintenance checks. However, the practical section proved more challenging.
Driving standards and expectations have become stricter over the years, with greater emphasis placed on speed awareness, hazard perception and adapting to increasingly complex road conditions.
Captain Slow’s Unexpected Downfall
Ironically, May’s biggest problem came from the very thing few people expected – driving too quickly.
Known by fans and former co-hosts Jeremy Clarkson and Richard Hammond as “Captain Slow” because of his careful and measured style, May was penalized for speeding on two occasions during the test.
On the video, he exceeded speed limits in both a 40mph and a 30mph zone, ultimately resulting in a failed test.
When informed of the result, May’s reaction was short and to the point: “B*****s!”
The examiner reportedly advised him to slow down, creating a moment of irony that delighted viewers. Fans quickly pointed out the humor in seeing “Captain Slow” fail because of excessive speed, with many calling it one of the most amusing twists imaginable.
Experience Doesn’t Always Guarantee Success
May’s failed retest highlights just how much driving standards and regulations have evolved over the decades. Even seasoned motorists with years of experience can be caught out by changing expectations and habits developed over time.
The challenge also served as a reminder that practical driving tests are designed not simply to assess confidence behind the wheel, but to ensure drivers can meet modern safety requirements.
For James May, the experience was all in good fun. While he may not have added a second driving-test certificate to his collection, he certainly gave fans another memorable chapter in a career filled with automotive adventures.
And perhaps most surprisingly of all, it turns out that even Captain Slow sometimes needs to slow down.