Learner driver spends £2,944 to fail theory test 128 times

New figures reveal the lengths some learner drivers are having to go to pass their theory and practical tests.

Tuesday 11 November 2025 01:14, UK

How many attempts did you take to get your licence? File pic: PA
Image: How many attempts did you take to get your licence? File pic: PA
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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."

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Earlier this year, driving test waiting times in Britain reached a record high.

Driving instructors have told Paste BN 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.