Learner finally passes driving theory test at 75th attempt having spent over £1,700 on fees
A learner driver who spent thousands in testing fees over the years finally passed his theory test on the 75th attempt, new figures show.
With each exam costing £23, the candidate was successful last year, paying a total of £1,725 in exam costs alone.
AA Driving School, which obtained the statistics, said it was ‘easy to underestimate’ the level of knowledge required to pass the test after it revealed some students had to retake the theory test because they had repeatedly failed it.
While 75 attempts may sound like a lot, it pales in comparison to the 127 that holds the record for most failed tests.
In the 128th and successful effort, their financial outlay on theory tests was an eye-watering £2,944.
But this is nothing compared to the costs incurred by drivers who fail the practical driving test; The data also reveals these significant fees.
Last year a learner driver successfully passed his theory test on the 75th attempt. However, this is not the highest number on record…
The theory test assesses knowledge and understanding of road rules and safe driving practices through multiple choice questions and the ability to assess danger through hazard perception videos.
Students must pass the test before they can take the practical exam.
AA Driving School chief executive Emma Bush said revision to the theory test was ‘key to success’, but admitted ‘life can get in the way’ and this can lead to ‘extra nerves and time pressure during the day’.
He continued: ‘It is easy to underestimate the level of knowledge required to pass the theory test.
‘Passing the theory test is the first step to gaining your full licence, and having tried this many times, it’s clear that these candidates are very determined to achieve their goals.
‘There are many reasons why someone might find a theory test challenging and therefore take more than one attempt before passing, but it is important to remember that multiple attempts are the exception rather than the rule.’
The theory test assesses knowledge and understanding of road rules and safe driving practices through multiple choice questions and hazard perception videos. Students can take the practical exam only after passing the theory part.
The most practical test failed
Before passing last year, the maximum number of attempts at the practical test was 21 and cost between £1,302 and £1,575 depending on when one took the tests.
Two people failed the practical test 37 times and spent £2,220 each.
The figures are obtained from the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA), which oversees driving tests and is responsible for clearing the huge backlog of students waiting to take their test.
Mrs Bush added: ‘For the practical test, the best advice to avoid having to take the test multiple times is to work with your instructor to book an exam when they think you are ready to pass.
‘If you’re getting nervous it might also help to do some practice tests with your instructor.’
Separate DVSA statistics show pass rates for theory and practical tests in the 2024/25 financial year were 44.9 per cent and 48.7 per cent respectively.
As part of measures aimed at tackling the backlog, officials have urged students not to sign up for the practical exam until they are sure they will pass.
