<P> As the number of motor vehicles reached tens of thousands , state and local governments assumed a new power : authorizing vehicles and drivers . In 1901 , New York became the first state to register automobiles ; by 1918 all states required license plates . States were slower to require licenses for drivers . Only 39 states issued them by 1935 and few required a test , despite widespread concern about incompetent drivers . Early motorists were taught to drive by automobile salesmen , family and friends , or organizations like the YMCA . By the 1930s , many high schools offered driver education . </P>
<P> As the number of motor vehicles reached tens of thousands , state and local governments assumed a new power : authorizing vehicles and drivers . In 1901 , New York became the first state to register automobiles ; by 1918 all states required license plates . States were slower to require licenses for drivers . Only 39 states issued them by 1935 and few required a test , despite widespread concern about incompetent drivers . Early motorists were taught to drive by automobile salesmen , family and friends , or organizations like the YMCA . By the 1930s , many high schools offered driver education . </P>
when did states start issuing driver 's licenses
when did states start issuing driver 's licenses
1901
1901