An unnamed learner driver in Worcestershire, England, has finally passed his driving theory test on his 60th attempt – and having spent £1,380 in the process.
In the UK, a learner driver must pass a theory test – a series of 50 multiple-choice questions on various aspects of driving and the Highway Code – before they can apply to undertake a practical test. Learners must get at least 43 of the 50 questions right. Learners then have to take a hazard perception test, which show 14 video clips of various driving scenarios.
The learner has set a new record for failures of the test, which costs £23 to take and takes about an hour to complete. The previous record was 57 failures by a learner in Hull, while another learner in Guildford failed 55 times, according to the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency, which regulates this.
While that number of failures is noteworthy, they are by no means alone. Pass rates for the theory test was 44% in 2022-23, down from 65% in 2007-8, which shows how it has been toughened up over the years to ensure that those who get out on the road know their stuff, which is, well, kinda important.
