Learner driver fails theory test 128 times
For many people learning to drive, the journey to receiving a licence can be long and arduous.
For some, however, it is longer than for others. Figures released by the AA Driving School today reveal one learner has spent Ksh501,000 (£2,944) taking their theory test 128 times without success.
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Another passed the exam only on the 75th attempt, which cost them more than Ksh290,000 (£1,700) in total.
Each attempt at the theory test, which must be passed before a practical exam can be booked.
It evaluates knowledge and understanding of road rules and safe driving practices through multiple-choice questions and the ability to assess danger via hazard perception videos.
Practical test presents a further obstacle
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 Ksh378,000 (£2,220) each.
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 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.
