11 November 2025
The 75th time was the charm for one would-be-driver who finally passed their theory test after numerous attempts.
The candidate passed on their 75th attempt in 2024. At £23 a test, they spent £1,725 on theory test attempts and more than 90 hours in the exam room.
This isn’t the first time someone has required that many theory tests to be successful. One learner passed on their 76th attempt in a previous year and one unfortunate candidate has taken their theory test 128 times and still not passed - at a cost of £2,944.
AA Driving School discovered the figures through a freedom of information request to the DVSA.
The highest number of attempts at the practical test before passing in 2024 was 21 – costing that learner between £1,302 and £1,575 depending on when they took the test. Practical tests cost £60 on weekdays and £75 on evenings and weekends.
Two people have taken their practical test 37 times and still not passed, meaning they have spent upwards of £2,220 on test attempts. The highest number of times someone has taken their practical test before eventually passing is 43 times (£2,580 - £3,225).
| Attempts | Theory Test | Practical Car Test |
|---|---|---|
| More than 10 times | 31,849 | 14,125 |
| More than 20 times | 3,591 | 375 |
| More than 30 times | 802 | 26 |
| More than 40 times | 227 | 1 |
| More than 50 times | 93 | 0 |
Emma Bush, managing director AA Driving School, said: “Passing your theory test is the first step towards achieving your full driving licence and clearly these candidates who have attempted it multiple times are very committed to achieving their goal.
“There are lots of reasons why someone might find the theory test challenging and therefore rack up multiple attempts before they pass, though it’s important to remember a high number of attempts is the exception, not the rule. Life can get in the way of the best revision, leading to extra nerves and time-pressures on the day. It is also easy to underestimate the level of knowledge required to pass the theory test. It is a thorough test which covers everything from road signs to stopping distances and hazard perception.
“Revision is the key to success. Apps like the AA theory test app can really help with features like flashcards for quick-fire revision sessions, both on and offline, as well as trackable progress with real-time statistics.
“For the practical test, the best advice to prevent you having to take your test multiple times is to work with your instructor to book a test when they think you are ready to pass. If nerves are getting the better of you doing some practical mock tests with your instructor may also help.”
A written theory test was introduced for learner drivers in 1996. Today, the theory test is made up of two parts. The first is 57 minutes to answer 50 multiple choice questions based on the Highway Code and the second is the Hazard Perception test, during which candidates are asked to spot hazards in videos. Candidates must pass both the multiple choice (43 out of 50) and hazard perception test (44 out of 75) before they can book their practical driving test.
The AA Driving School Theory Test app contains more than 700 theory questions and extensive hazard perception clips. Learners can use the flashcard feature for quick-fire revision sessions, access content when offline, take timed mock tests and track their progress.
The AA Driving School Theory Test app is available on Apple and Google Play stores, free to download with full content access for a one-off cost of £4.99.