One learner driver has failed their theory test 128 times and it's cost them $3,875
Published on Nov 11, 2025 at 8:55 PM (UTC+4)
by Henry Kelsall
Last updated on Nov 11, 2025 at 8:55 PM (UTC+4)
Edited by
Emma Matthews
A learner driver in the UK failed their driving theory test well over 100 times, and it cost them nearly $4,000.
Sky News reported on figures released by the AA Driving School in the UK, which revealed how long some people spent trying to pass a theory test.
One result stood out from the crowd, with this driver taking 128 attempts to pass their theory test, and it cost them nearly $3,000.
The figures revealed a few other interesting stories, too, with others taking nearly as long to pass the test themselves.
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A learner driver has to pay for the theory test
In the UK, the cost of paying for a driver’s theory test in 2025 is £23, or $30 at the time of writing.
It tests potential drivers on their understanding of road rules, as well as safe driving practices.
There is also a hazard perception video to test the driver’s responses.
Should you fail the theory test, you will have to pay again to resit it.
Plus, you can’t pass your practical test until you have passed the theory.
You also have to pay to take part in your practical exam.
Yet for one driver, they had to take the theory test 128 times, without success.
That cost them £2,944, which is the equivalent of $3,875.
Others have also failed the test countless times
Obviously, they aren’t the first student driver to have failed the test on multiple occasions.
But amazingly, it’s not the first time someone has failed such a huge number of times.
The AA’s data revealed that another driver took 75 attempts to pass the same test.
This cost the learner driver £1,700 in total, which is roughly $2,239.
But even if you get past the theory, it doesn’t appear to be a guarantee of future success.
The data from the AA revealed that it took someone 21 attempts before they passed their practical test.
Two learner drivers also took the practical test 37 times each, but both failed to pass.
For £2,200 each, or $2,897, that is a lot of money without a positive result.
Clearly, not everyone gets the hang of driving.
Henry is a content writer with nearly ten years experience, having written for various publications since 2017. Qualifying with a Sports Journalism degree from Staffordshire University, Henry loves all things automotive but has a particular soft spot for classic Japanese cars and anything Lancia. He also has a curious passion for steam locomotives.
