After 59 attempts, the learner finally passed the theory test (Picture: Getty)
A learner driver who failed their theory test an astounding 59 times before finally passing has been praised for their ‘amazing’ commitment.
The individual spent £1,380 and around 60 hours on the process at a testing centre in Redditch, Worcestershire.
That is more than anyone else in Britain.
But several other learners also took dozens of attempts to pass, according to the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA)
One driver failed 57 times before passing in Hull, East Yorkshire.
Another clocked up 55 unsuccessful tests in Guildford, Surrey, and one failed the test 53 times in Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent.
Camilla Benitz, managing director of AA Driving School, said: ‘There’s no doubt it’s a tough test and 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.’
The top 10 highest numbers of failed driver theory test attempts
58 attempts – £1,334 – Hull, East Yorkshire
56 attempts – £1,288 – Guildford, Surrey
54 attempts – £1,242 – Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent
52 attempts – £1,196 – Bristol
48 attempts – £1,104 – Birmingham
48 attempts – £1,104 – Chelmsford, Essex
48 attempts – £1,104 – Sidcup, London
48 attempts – £1,104 – Sutton Coldfield, West Midlands
47 attempts – £1,081 – Taunton, Somerset
Ms Benitz said it’s easily to underestimate the theory test, but reviewing before taking your test is recommended.
Figures from the Department for Transport figures revealed the pass rate for theory tests has fallen from 65% in the 2008 to 44% in 2023.
For those looking to get a licence to drive a car, each theory test attempt costs £23 and takes around an hour.
It consists of 50 multiple-choice questions testing candidates’ knowledge of the Highway Code and guidance on driving skills, and drivers must get 43 correct answers to pass.
This is followed by a hazard perception test, which involves 14 video clips of driving situations.
People who fail the theory test must wait at least three working days before taking it again.
More: Trending
Earlier this year, a fraudster managed to make £20,000 by taking people’s driving theory tests for them and was jailed for a year.
Satwinder Singh, 34, was part of an organised crime ring which helped non-English speakers to fraudulently get their theory certificates, which are required for learners to sit their practical test.
He admitted to charging 36 people between £400 and £1,500 to impersonate them and pass their exams in driving test centres across the UK.
Prosecutors estimate he pocketed around £20,000 over a four-year period from the scheme, which saw him travel to Reading, Manchester, Sheffield, Southgate, Oxford, Aylesbury, Guildford, Staines and Bristol.
Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at [email protected].
For more stories like this, check our news page.
The individual spent a whopping £1,380 and around 60 hours on the process at a testing centre in Redditch, Worcestershire.
