AUTONEWS

Many fail their driving test more than 50 times in the UK, with the record holder failing 128 times

British driving tests have always been considered demanding, but new data reveals how insurmountable an obstacle they can be for some candidates. The AA, an automobile association, has published data obtained through a Freedom of Information request, and it shows that one candidate failed the theory test 128 times and spent almost £3,000 (around €3,400) on that part of the test alone. This candidate failed his 128th attempt and still doesn't have a driving licence.

According to Jutarnji.hr, this candidate is not the only one with a huge series of failures. Another person managed to pass the theory test only on his 75th attempt, after spending more than 90 hours in the test hall and paying £1,725 ​​(around €1,950). Although it seems extreme, the AA notes that there are exceptions and that the vast majority of candidates pass with significantly fewer attempts.

The theory test in the United Kingdom was only introduced in 1996 and consists of 50 questions from the Road Regulations, and video hazard recognition tests. To pass, you need to answer at least 43 questions correctly and collect 44 out of a possible 75 points on the video hazard test. Only then can the candidate start the practical part, i.e. driving.

As expected, the practical exam does not always go smoothly either. The data shows that one person passed only after 43 attempts, while two candidates have tried 37 times so far, but still without success. With a cost of £60 to £75 per test drive, it's more than most people spend on their first car.

AA says that the reasons for such extreme numbers are different. Some candidates have difficulty learning, others underestimate the breadth of the material, and some simply don’t take preparation seriously enough. While the numbers are dramatic, the association stresses that the average candidate needs significantly fewer test attempts and that the system, despite criticism, effectively filters out those who are not yet ready to drive.

The data also shows the bigger picture. Last year alone, more than 31,000 candidates failed their theory test more than ten times, while more than 14,000 of them failed their practical test. These figures make it clear why the British driving test is still considered one of the safest and most thorough in Europe.

While it is rare, some individuals do fail their UK driving test more than 50 times, with specific reports of candidates taking the test 37, 43, and even over 100 times before passing or, in some cases, still failing. This phenomenon is not common, but it does occur due to factors like repeated nerves, extensive practice being hindered by long waits, and high-stakes test situations. 

Individual cases of multiple failures: Reports highlight the extreme end of the spectrum, with individuals taking dozens of attempts. For example, one candidate took their practical test 43 times, and another took the theory test 128 times.

Impact of long waits: A significant backlog in test availability, especially after the pandemic, has put added pressure on learners. Some learners may take a test before they are fully ready for fear of even longer delays for their next chance.

Nerves and stress: High anxiety levels can significantly impact performance on the test day. A learner who is not confident in their ability is more likely to make mistakes, and the added stress of long waits can exacerbate this.

Insufficient practice: While the average pass rate is around 50%, with many passing on their second or third try, some learners may not have enough varied practice to feel confident in all situations, which can lead to repeated failures.

Cost: The high number of attempts can also lead to significant financial costs. For example, one report estimated a cost of up to £3,200 for 43 attempts.