After 26 years, SpongeBob finally gets his license - and our childhood is officially complete
Published on Jul 03, 2025 at 6:45 PM (UTC+4)
by Daisy Edwards
Last updated on Jul 03, 2025 at 6:45 PM (UTC+4)
Edited by
Emma Matthews
It took him 26 years, but finally, everyone’s favorite under-the-sea pineapple dweller, SpongeBob SquarePants, finally passed his test, and our childhood is officially complete.
In episode number 322a in the recent season 16, SpongeBob gets his license, but it’s taken a few attempts and incidents on the way.
SpongeBob as a character is such a menace to his driving instructor, Mrs. Puff, that she actively fears him learning to drive or attempting to pass his driving test at all.
In a shock twist, SpongeBob actually gave up his license, which is a good lesson – just because you can do something, doesn’t mean you actually should.
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After 26 years, SpongeBob finally gets his license
Driving doesn’t come naturally to everyone. And it turns out that a beloved childhood character, the most porous guy in the whole of Bikini Bottom, also struggled to pass his test.
There have been multiple episodes where SpongeBob has completely terrorized Bikini Bottom’s driving school and it’s seemingly sole – geddit? – instructor, Mrs. Puff.
To stop the driving instructor having a complete nervous breakdown, in a season 16 episode, titled Exchange Student Driver, the spongy menace is sent to a neighboring town to see if he can pass there.
To the shock of everyone, he actually passes his driving test, thus putting an end to our childhood – or so we thought.
The least safe driver in all of Bikini Bottom
Despite his genuinely terrible driving, after 26 years and 16 seasons, SpongeBob SquarePants is finally a qualified boatmobile driver with a license.
SpongeBob gets his license comically printed on a turnip. But in a shock twist, he decides after returning home to Bikini Bottom and wreaking havoc that he still isn’t ready to safely drive.
Mr SquarePants gave his license back as he learnt that just because you can do something, doesn’t mean you should.
Driving can be hard, you guys.
Daisy is a technology journalist, covering artificial intelligence, consumer tech, Apple news, cryptocurrency, digital business, and emerging technologies. Since joining the team in 2025, she has reported on everything from AI-powered startups and major iOS updates to viral tech hacks and the latest developments in the digital economy. Drawing on her background in automotive journalism and a degree in History and Journalism from Goldsmiths, University of London, Daisy specializes in breaking down complex technology stories into clear, engaging reporting for a global audience. Her work focuses on the products, platforms, and innovations that are transforming the way people work, communicate, and interact with technology. Daisy has gained first-hand access to some of the world's most talked-about technologies and innovators, including meeting Tesla's Optimus humanoid robot during its first European appearance in London. She has also discussed the future of space exploration with an astronaut, bringing unique insights and real-world perspectives to her coverage of emerging technology.
