Little-known reason

Queen Elizabeth II, despite being frequently photographed driving, never held a driving licence. She first learned to drive during World War II as a member of the Auxiliary Territorial Service (ATS), where she drove military vehicles. The Queen was often seen driving around royal estates like Balmoral and Sandringham, preferring to drive herself rather than rely on a chauffeur. However, because the DVLA issues driving licences in the name of the Crown, the Queen, as the sovereign, technically couldn’t issue a licence to herself. Therefore, she was exempt from the requirement.

This exemption also applied to her not holding a passport, as all British passports were issued in her name. The Queen’s legal name was revealed to be Elizabeth Alexandra Mary Windsor after her death in 2022, surprising many who didn’t realize she had a last name. Her death certificate listed her occupation simply as “Her Majesty the Queen.” Throughout her reign, the Queen had a wide range of duties, including approving bills and meeting with Prime Ministers. Despite her exemption from many rules, her role as monarch required immense responsibility and regular engagement in state affairs.