‘I spent ?1,380 taking ?23 driving test and didn’t pass until the 60th time’
It is an L of an effort – and cost nearly £1,400 – but Britain’s most persistent learner driver has finally passed their theory test at the 60th time of asking. The driver spent an eye-watering £1,380 at a test centre in Redditch[1], before finally conquering their goal.
It’s understood they would have spent around 60 hours trying to get over the line, with the test currently costing £23-a-time. The motorist’s identity was not disclosed but their resolve to keep going was revealed in data obtained by AA Driving School.
The stats also revealed the Midlands was a hotbed of determined learners, with candidates in Birmingham[2] and Sutton Coldfield[3] taking 48 attempts before eventual success.
The figures from the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) relate to learner drivers who passed during the first half of 2023. Learner drivers must pass theory before they can be book a practical test.
They must correctly answer 43 out of 50 multiple-choice questions and identify hazards in video clips. Camilla Benitz, managing director of AA Driving School, told the Press Association: “There’s no doubt, it’s a tough test. These learners’ commitment to passing is amazing.
“But with the right tools, it really shouldn’t need to cost this much to be successful. Nerves can undoubtedly play a part, as well as making sure you understand what the test will involve before you get there.
“It’s quite easy to underestimate the theory test and assume that you’ll be able to pass without any effort at all but that’s not the case. Revision is the key to success.”
List of most failed theory attempts taken between January and June 2023
1. 60 attempts – £1,380 – Redditch, Worcestershire
2. 58 attempts – £1,334 – Hull, East Yorkshire
3. 56 attempts – £1,288 – Guildford, Surrey
4. 54 attempts – £1,242 – Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent
5. 52 attempts – £1,196 – Bristol
=6. 48 attempts – £1,104 – Birmingham
=6. 48 attempts – £1,104 – Chelmsford, Essex
=6. 48 attempts – £1,104 – Sidcup, London
=6. 48 attempts – £1,104 – Sutton Coldfield, West Midlands
10. 47 attempts – £1,081 – Taunton, Somerset
References
- ^ Redditch (www.birminghammail.co.uk)
- ^ Birmingham (www.birminghammail.co.uk)
- ^ Sutton Coldfield (www.birminghammail.co.uk)
- ^ 30 restaurants you should try in Birmingham city centre (www.birminghammail.co.uk)