For many people learning to drive, the journey to receiving a licence can be long and arduous.
For some, however, it is longer than others. Figures released by the AA Driving School today reveal one learner has spent £2,944 taking their theory test 128 times without success.
Another passed the exam only at the 75th attempt, which cost them more than £1,700 in total.
Each attempt at the theory test – which must be passed before a practical exam can be booked – costs £23.
It evaluates knowledge and understanding of road rules and safe driving practices through multiple-choice questions and ability to assess danger via hazard perception videos.
For those who do pass, the practical test presents a further obstacle.
Last year, the record number of attempts taken before passing was 21. That would have cost between £1,302 and £1,575, depending on when the person took the tests.
Two people have taken the practical test 37 times without passing, spending up to £2,220 each.
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The figures were obtained following a freedom of information request to the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA).
According to the body, pass rates for the theory and practical tests in the 2024/25 financial year were 44.9% and 48.7% respectively.
Emma Bush, managing director at AA Driving School, said revision was the “the key to success” in the theory test.
She added: “It is easy to underestimate the level of knowledge required to pass the theory test.”
Earlier this year, driving test waiting times in Britain reached a record high.
Driving instructors have told Sky News that it has become almost impossible to book a driving test on the government website due to bots on the system.
Individuals and companies use bots to block-book driving test slots and then resell them at a profit. While not illegal, this is a violation of the DVSA’s terms of use.
Recent data shows the agency has closed over 800 business accounts for misuse of its booking service in the past two years.
