Hull learner passes driving theory test at 58th attempt after spending £1,300
A learner driver from Hull failed the theory test 57 times before their extraordinary commitment finally paid off. The individual, who has not been named, spent more than GBP1,300 on sitting the tests, which can each take up to an hour and 20 minutes to complete. A fellow learner from Redditch, Worcestershire, took even more attempts, before passing at the 60th time of asking.
AA Driving School obtained the figures, which relate to learner drivers who passed during the first half of 2023, from the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA). Camilla Benitz, managing director of the school, said: "There's no doubt it's a tough test and these learners' commitment to passing is amazing." She added: "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." Several other learners required dozens of attempts to pass. Think you can do better?
Give our theory test quiz a go! Figures from the Department for Transport show that the pass rate for theory tests has fallen from 65 per cent in the 2007-08 financial year to 44 per cent in 2022-23. Learners must pass the theory test before they can book a practical driving test.
Each theory test attempt costs GBP23. In October, data revealed that learners in the Hornsea area had the lowest pass rate[1] in the country, with more than three our of four failing. Analysis by the AA has shown that large numbers of learners lack the sufficient knowledge about stopping distances and the meaning of road signs.
The theory test consists of 50 multiple-choice questions about the Highway Code and driving skills. Candidates must answer at least 43 correctly. Learners must also complete a hazard perception test, which involves identifying hazards in a series of video clips.
A mark of at least 44 out of 75 is required. People who fail must wait at least three working days before trying again. Those who are successful have two years to pass the practical test.
If they miss that deadline, they will have to sit the theory test again. The AA Driving School has launched an app, which it claims can help learners to better prepare for the theory test. "Revision is the key to success. Apps like ours can really help," said Ms Benitz.
Some people have found the test so taxing that they have turned to fraudsters for help. In July last year, Inderjeet Kaur, then aged 29, from Llanelli, was jailed for eight months at Swansea Crown Court after admitting taking approximately 150 theory and practical driving tests on behalf of learners. In January 2020, Swallaxadin Abdul Bashir, then aged 42, from Coventry, was handed a 28-month prison sentence at Warwick Crown Court after admitting attempting to sit tests while impersonating applicants at 12 locations across England.
The 10 highest numbers of failed attempts
These drivers all passed between January and June this year, each having failed on dozens of occasions.
- 60 attempts - GBP1,380 - Redditch, Worcestershire
- 58 attempts - GBP1,334 - Hull, East Yorkshire
- 56 attempts - GBP1,288 - Guildford, Surrey
- 54 attempts - GBP1,242 - Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent
- 52 attempts - GBP1,196 - Bristol
- 48 attempts - GBP1,104 - Birmingham
- 48 attempts - GBP1,104 - Chelmsford, Essex
- 48 attempts - GBP1,104 - Sidcup, London
- 48 attempts - GBP1,104 - Sutton Coldfield, West Midlands
- 47 attempts - GBP1,081 - Taunton, Somerset
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