Luke Littler passes driving theory test on seventh attempt ahead of Hungarian Darts Trophy

Luke Littler has finally cleared his driving theory test on the seventh attempt, the 18-year-old darts prodigy announced Friday. The reigning world champion passed the multiple-choice portion with the minimum 43 out of 50 and recorded 63 out of 75 in the hazard-perception segment, paving the way for him to pursue a full driving licence in the near future. Under Driving and Vehicle Standards Agency rules, Littler now has up to two years to complete the practical driving test, placing the milestone in sight but not yet complete. He shared the news with his 1.9 million Instagram followers, posting a photo of his pass certificate and the caption “we will have a look, of course we will have a look” accompanied by dancing emojis.

The news arrives as Littler readies for action at the Hungarian Darts Trophy in Budapest this weekend, where he is expected to defend his standing as one of the sport’s rising stars. The 18-year-old became the youngest world champion of all time earlier in his career and has since built a résumé that includes the Triple Crown, a feat that underscored his rapid ascent in darts. His earnings have surpassed £1.5 million since bursting onto the scene by reaching the World Championship final on his debut.

Littler’s journey to the theory test success has been well chronicled on social media. In July he revealed that he had failed for the fifth time, and in recent weeks he acknowledged a sixth attempt, describing that effort as “a bad one” before Friday’s breakthrough. Earlier in the week he gave a candid update, saying he hadn’t yet revealed a recent test result and that the latest try had not gone well. The confirmation on Friday brought a rare moment of levity amid a career that has already drawn global attention for both on- and off-field moments.

Off the oche, Littler has often spoken about his car preferences, revealing a fondness for compact, premium models. After becoming a world champion, he cited the Mercedes A-Class as his dream car, noting that while he once admired the Ford Focus, his ambitions have shifted toward a higher-end city car. He has described the A-Class as “just a small car” with the potential to mirror his rapid rise in sport, a sentiment that resonates with fans who follow his journey from junior to major-title success. The milestone also serves to accelerate his personal milestones, given the time pressure under the DVSA’s two-year window for the practical test, a path that could see Littler behind the wheel in the coming years as his schedule allows.

Littler remains one of darts’ most watched talents. He has been part of a generation that has turned darts into a global sport with substantial televised exposure and lucrative prize money. His ascent included becoming the youngest player to win the Triple Crown and racking up earnings that place him among the sport’s notable young earners. The Hungarian Darts Trophy, part of the European Tour, is a key event in his calendar this weekend, with fans and analysts watching closely to see if he can translate his early success into continued dominance on the European stage.

Among the week’s social media moments, Littler also sparked discussion with a recent clip that hinted at retirement—later revealed as a spoof and a promotional stunt for EA Sports FC26, due for release later this month. The lighthearted post contrasted with the seriousness of his latest test result, illustrating the balance between his public persona and the professional demands of elite darts.

As Littler looks to the practical exam as the next major milestone, he will be mindful of the two-year deadline but remains focused on his sport. The drive to secure a full licence is not just about personal convenience; it aligns with the responsibilities of a high-profile athlete who travels frequently for tournaments and media commitments. For his fans, the news provides a more rounded picture of a rising star who is as comfortable navigating a crowded arena as he is navigating a crowded road once he earns his licence.

In the short term, the Hungarian Darts Trophy looms as a proving ground for Littler’s continued progress. If he maintains his trajectory, he could use the forthcoming results to bolster his status as a global ambassador for darts, a role he has embraced since his breakout debut. The week’s developments—driving theory success, a teased retirement moment, and a looming European tour event—together illustrate the breadth of Littler’s public life beyond the scoreboard.

For now, the practical test remains a hurdle to clear, but the seventh-time success on the theory exam represents a tangible milestone that underscores Littler’s willingness to tackle challenging goals head-on. Whether behind the wheel or on the oche, the young star’s combination of talent, media appeal, and drive to master new challenges ensures that interest in his career will continue to grow in the coming weeks and months.