The staggering number of driving tests taken by drivers who have already failed at least five times revealed

MORE than 50,000 driving tests a year are taken by learners who have already failed at least five times.

The figures suggest “driving might not be the thing for some people”, the RAC Foundation said.

The motoring research charity analysed Department for Transport data and found that 50,875 practical tests in Britain in the 12 months to the end of March involved candidates on their sixth attempt or greater.

Just 40 per cent of these were passed.

Learners aged 60 and above were at the wheel for 290 of the tests. Their pass rate was 27 per cent for men and 19 per cent for women.

The average success rate for all tests is 49 per cent.

The DfT recently said the frequency of examiners having to “physically intervene to avoid a dangerous incident” has increased to one in eight tests.

Practical tests cost between £62 and £75 depending on when they are taken.

RAC Foundation director Steve Gooding said the failed tests toll may reassure people who suspect it is too easy to get a licence.

He thinks a tests backlog caused by Covid means learners could be accepting slots “whether they are ready or not, for fear of a long wait if they delay”.

He added: “One other conclusion is that driving might not be the thing for some people.”