Luke Littler passes driving theory test on seventh attempt, eyes dream car and Hungarian Darts Trophy return

Luke Littler, the 18-year-old darts prodigy and reigning world champion, has passed his driving theory test on the seventh attempt, the latest milestone in a year already defined by rapid rise and high expectations. The news, confirmed Friday, comes as Littler prepares to return to competitive action at the Hungarian Darts Trophy in Budapest this weekend. The victory clears the way for him to pursue the practical driving test, though he has two years to complete that requirement under the rules of the Driving and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA).

Littler’s social media following surged during the week, with the 1.9 million Instagram followers alerted to the milestone after he posted a photo of his pass certificate. The post included the caption "we will have a look, of course we will have a look" accompanied by three dancing emojis, signaling a mix of relief and lighthearted relief as he moves closer to what could be his first car. He passed the multiple-choice portion with a minimum qualifying score of 43 out of 50 and sailed the hazard-perception section, scoring 63 out of 75. The numbers provided a stark contrast to the six driving theory tests he had reportedly endured before finally crossing the line.

The seven-time attempt narrative comes after Littler had publicly discussed his struggles with learning to drive. In July, he acknowledged a fifth failure, and in more recent exchanges he described a sixth attempt as a "bad one." Those comments underscore the pressure and public interest that have surrounded the teenager’s bid for independence off the oche. The latest success also comes with the practical caveat that he must pass the driving test’s practical portion within two years, leaving him a window to secure the full license as he continues to balance life as a top-level darts star.

In discussing his driving ambitions, Littler has spoken openly about his driving ambitions and his dream car. Shortly after becoming the youngest world darts champion of all time, he revealed an affection for the Mercedes A-Class, which starts around £28,000. He has been quoted saying that while he once liked the Ford Focus, he now envisions something a bit more premium. "Last year I was looking at driving and I loved the Ford Focus, but now I’ve gone up in the world just a little," he told reporters, adding, "I’ve always loved a Mercedes A-Class. Just a small car." The practical hurdle notwithstanding, the milestone adds a personal landmark to a sporting year in which Littler has continued to defy expectations.

On the oche, Littler remains one of darts’ brightest stars. He became the youngest player to win the Triple Crown and has amassed earnings surpassing £1.5 million since bursting onto the scene and reaching the World Championship final on debut. He is scheduled to be back in action at the Hungarian Darts Trophy in Budapest this weekend, a stop on the circuit that has seen him push into the sport’s global spotlight at a remarkably early age. His ascent has been marked by a fearless approach to both competition and media, including a recent social-media moment that sparked chatter when he posted a spoof retirement video that was actually a promotion for EA Sports FC26, due for release later this month.

The practical-driving component now stands as Littler’s next hurdle: successfully navigating the required behind-the-wheel test within the two-year window. Beyond the license, this milestone also represents a personal step in a year that has reinforced Littler’s status as darts’ fastest-rising talent and a magnetic presence for fans watching the sport evolve around a young champion who continues to expand his horizons beyond the oche.