Trendpills
A learner driver in the United Kingdom has set a new record for the most failed attempts at the car driving theory test, having been unsuccessful 128 times. The data, released by the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) following a Freedom of Information request, highlights an extraordinary case of persistence. The anonymous individual has so far spent a total of £2,944 on the repeated attempts, with each test costing £23.
This new figure significantly surpasses the previous record, which was held by a person who ultimately passed the theory test on their 60th try in 2023. That individual had spent nearly £1,400 to achieve their pass. The current record-holder has more than doubled both the number of attempts and the total cost, and has not yet passed the examination.
The driving theory test is a mandatory hurdle before learners can book a practical driving exam. It comprises two parts: a 50-question multiple-choice section covering the Highway Code, traffic signs, and driving skills, and a hazard perception test that involves spotting developing dangers in video clips. To pass, candidates must score at least 43 out of 50 on the multiple-choice section and 44 out of 75 on the hazard perception part.
The difficulty of the test is reflected in national statistics. According to the DVSA, the pass rate for the car theory test has seen a decline over the years, standing at 45.3% in the year ending March 2024. This contrasts with a pass rate that was above 65% a decade earlier. While the identity of the person with 128 failures remains private, their story puts a spotlight on the financial and personal challenges many face in their journey to obtaining a driver's license.
