Driver spends £3,400 on failing theory test 110 times

A WOMAN from London has failed the driving theory test 110 times, it has been discovered.

At £31 per attempt, she has therefore spent £3,410 on failing the first half of the driving exam - and cannot sit the practical element until she passes.

The woman, who was not named but is from the south east of the capital, is followed by many more hapless learners including a 30-year-old man from Peterborough who has had 86 unsuccessful attempts at the theory test.

A 41-year-old man from Birmingham eventually passed on his 80th try but a 27-year-old man from Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire, has still not managed to get enough answers right after 64 efforts.

Those wanting to drive a car or ride a motorcycle must pass the driving theory test before booking their practical exam - which is itself hard to get through.

The theory test has two parts - one made up of multiple choice questions with the other a hazard perception section.

At £31 a time, undergoing multiple attempts does not come cheap.

The figures were published on the Mail Online following a Freedom of Information request to the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA).

A DVSA spokesman told the website: "It is 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."

Last week it emerged that a 24-year-old woman holds the record for failing the practical part of her test the most times.

She finally passed after her 24th attempt and was one of eight Britons to have racked up at least 20 tests by the end of last year, according to figures obtained from the DVSA by the Press Association.

By Jennifer Cockerell, Press Association