December 4th 2023.
After 59 attempts, the learner finally passed the theory test - and what an accomplishment it is! This individual from Redditch, Worcestershire spent £1,380 and around 60 hours at a testing centre, more than anyone else in Britain.
But they weren't alone in their struggle; another learner from Hull, East Yorkshire failed 57 times, while a third took 55 attempts to pass in Guildford, Surrey. Even more impressive is the driver from Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent, who failed the test 53 times!
Camilla Benitz, managing director of AA Driving School, was full of praise for the learners' commitment: "There's no doubt it's a tough test and these learners' commitment to passing is amazing. But with the right tools, it really shouldn't need to cost this much to be successful. Nerves can undoubtedly play a part, as well as making sure you understand what the test will involve before you get there."
The figures from the Department for Transport also revealed that the pass rate for theory tests has fallen from 65% in the 2008 to 44% in 2023. Each attempt costs £23 and takes around an hour, consisting of 50 multiple-choice questions and a hazard perception test, with drivers needing to get 43 correct answers to pass.
Ms Benitz says it's easy to underestimate the theory test, and recommends reviewing before taking it. People who fail the test must wait at least three working days before taking it again.
Unfortunately, this issue is not just limited to legitimate attempts either. Earlier this year, a fraudster was jailed for a year after making £20,000 by taking people's driving theory tests for them. Satwinder Singh, 34, had charged 36 people between £400 and £1,500 to impersonate them and pass their exams in driving test centres across the UK.
Clearly, passing the theory test is no easy feat. But with the right tools and a lot of dedication, anything is possible!
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