9 July 2024
How many times did you take your driving test before you passed? One person has spent a staggering £1,700 on 74 driving theory tests and is still to pass, reveals a new Freedom Of Information request made by AA Driving School.
Data released from the DVSA* shows that more than 9,000 people needed between 10 and 20 attempts to pass their theory test. Nine people have taken over 50 theory tests are still to pass.
When it comes to the practical test, more than 13,000 candidates took between 10 and 20 attempts to get the all clear from an examiner, while 269 needed over 20 attempts and 16 more than 30 attempts.
"The key to passing any exam is to be fully prepared."
Provisional drivers requiring multiple tests isn’t just frustrating for them, but costly too. Theory tests cost £23 a go, and practical tests cost £62 during weekday daytimes, or £75 during evenings, weekends and bank holidays. The most number of theory tests was 60 attempts, costing those drivers £1,380 meanwhile drivers taking 43 practical tests were charged £2,666.
Car? L Plates? Didn’t think I’d need them!
AA Driving School can also reveal that thousands of practical test spaces were lost due to a catalogue of basic errors. More than 6,000 people turned up for their practical test either without a vehicle or with a vehicle the examiner deemed not suitable. On top of that 252 drivers arrived with a vehicle without displaying L Plates and 604 failed the basic eyesight test.
This means 20 test slots a day were wasted at a time where the practical exam backlog is extensive. Previously, AA Driving School revealed that the average waiting time for a practical driving test is around 18 weeks, compared to 6 weeks before the pandemic**. Those who fail the practical have to wait 28 days before they can book another.
Camilla Benitz, MD of AA Driving School, said; “The key to passing any exam is to be fully prepared. At a time when the backlog only seems to be growing, these simple errors are blocking drivers who are ready to pass but cannot find a test.
“Learning to drive can be expensive at the best of times. Drivers arriving unprepared for their theory and practical tests doesn’t just hurt their bank balance, but also the wallets of test-ready learners. The inability to obtain a slot means some are still having lessons when they could have their full licence.”
* FOI details available on request