A learner driver has finally passed their theory test at the 75th attempt having spent thousands on test fees over the years, new figures show.
With each test costing £23, the candidate eventually succeeded last year having forked out a cumulative £1,725 on examination costs alone.
AA Driving School, which obtained the stats, said it is ‘easy to underestimate’ the level of knowledge required to pass the exam after it revealed the staggering number of times some learners have to re-sit the theory test having repeatedly failed.
While 75 attempts sounds a lot, it pales in comparison to the record holder with the most failed tests, which stands at 127.
By the 128th – and successful – effort, their financial outlay on theory tests was an eye-watering £2,944.
But that is nothing compared to the costs incurred by drivers who fail their practical driving test, with the data revealing those substantial fees too.
A learner driver last year successfully passed their theory test at the 75th attempt. But that’s not the most on record…
The theory test evaluates knowledge and understanding of road rules and safe driving practices through multiple-choice questions, and ability to assess danger via hazard perception videos.
Learners must pass the test before they can book a practical exam.
While there is no maximum number of fails for either the theory or practical test, motorists for years have been calling for their to be a threshold of failed attempts before an individual is deemed too much of a risk to be allowed on the road.
Emma Bush, managing director at AA Driving School, said revision is ‘the key to success’ in the theory test, but acknowledged that ‘life can get in the way’, resulting in ‘extra nerves and time-pressures on the day’.
She went on: ‘It is easy to underestimate the level of knowledge required to pass the theory test.
‘Passing your theory test is the first step towards achieving your full driving licence, and clearly these candidates who have attempted it multiple times are very committed to achieving their goal.
‘There are lots of reasons why someone might find the theory test challenging and therefore rack up multiple attempts before they pass, though it’s important to remember a high number of attempts is the exception, not the rule.’
The theory test evaluates knowledge and understanding of road rules and safe driving practices through multiple-choice questions and hazard perception videos. Learners can only sit their practical test once they’ve passed the theory side
The most practical test fails
The highest number of attempts at the practical test before passing last year was 21, costing 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.
The figures were obtained from the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA), which oversees driving tests and is responsible for clearing the enormous backlog of learners waiting to sit them.
Ms Bush added: ‘For the practical test, the best advice to prevent you having to take your test multiple times is to work with your instructor to book a test when they think you are ready to pass.
‘If nerves are getting the better of you, doing some practical mock tests with your instructor may also help.’
Separate DVSA statistics show the pass rates for the theory and practical tests in the 2024/25 financial year were 44.9 per cent and 48.7 per cent respectively,
Officials have urged learners not to book a practical test until they are confident they will pass, as part of measures aimed at tackling a backlog.
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