Glasgow learner driver ‘failed test 36 times’

New figures have revealed that one learner driver from Glasgow (not pictured) failed his theory test 36 times. Picture: Phil Wilkinson

The unnamed 22-year-old man, from Glasgow, spent a staggering £1,147 in a bid to show he knows the rules and hazards of the road.

He failed all of his tests before finally passing on his 37th attempt earlier this year. However, he still has his practical driving test to overcome.

The multiple failed attempts makes him the worst ever learner at the driving theory test in Scotland since the Driving and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA), which governs the tests, started keeping records in 2004.

The previous worst record was held by a 35-year-old woman and a 28-year-old man, both also from Glasgow, who failed it 29 times.

The record for the most failed attempts at the practical driving test is still held by a woman from Anniesland, Glasgow, who took 25 attempts before finally passing on her 26th in 2009.

The figures, revealed by the DVSA under freedom of information laws, also revealed a 43-year-old woman from Dunfermline, Fife, holds the record for the most failed motorcycle tests after taking 10 attempts to pass.

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Their woeful records has seen them easily outstrip notorious bad drivers such as Maureen Rees from BBC’s Driving School who passed on her seventh attempt and rocker Ozzy Osbourne who claims to have needed 19 tests to pass.

The driving theory test comprises multiple-choice questions and a hazard perception exam, and has a national average pass rate of 65.4 per cent.

The driving theory test was first introduced in July 1996 and includes 50 multiple choice questions, of which 43 must be answered correctly.

The second part of the test, introduced in 2002, is called Hazard Perception and requires the driver to watch a clip and point out hazards on the road.

The UK record is held by a 28-year-old woman from south London who failed the theory test a staggering 110 times.

A 40-year-old man from Stoke-on-Trent failed the practical driving test a record 36 times before passing on his 37th attempt.

The learner forked out at least £2,294 trying to pass - which could have paid for a second-hand car.

The DVSA says it takes about 45 hours of professional training and 22 hours’ private practice to pass.

A DVSA spokesman said: “It’s essential that all drivers demonstrate they have the right skills, knowledge and attitude to drive safely.

“The driver testing and training regime tests candidates’ ability to drive safely and responsibly as well as making sure they know the theory behind safe driving.”

The AA said: “It is all about being well prepared and for some people all forms of exams are difficult.

“We always recommend professional tuition for learner drivers rather than practising solely with family and friends.”

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