It took over 900 attempts, but 68-year-old Cha Sa-soon from Jeonju in South Korea never gave up on her dream of obtaining a driving license. Years later, Mrs. Cha finally succeeded after trying 960 times!
Mrs. Cha had to take her driving theory test 950 times and her practical test 10 times. According to sources, the 50-minute written test consists of 50 multiple-choice questions on road regulations and car maintenance.
She Never Gave Up
Mrs. Cha started her quest for a license in 2005 to enable her to sell vegetables and other goods from a vehicle. After failing the test the first time, she continued to take the test every day, five days a week, for three years, before cutting it down to twice a week until she finally passed. She then moved on to the practical test. It had taken her less time to pass her practical test and after 10 attempts, she was finally given her license.
Despite spending over 5 million won ($4,200, £2,600) in application fees, Mrs. Cha never lost hope. Her determination inspired many people and made her a well-known figure at the Jeonju center where she took her tests.
According to her driving teacher, when Cha Sa-soon eventually passed her test, it was a huge relief for everyone. “When she eventually received her license, we all ran out cheering and hugging her, giving her flowers,” the instructor at Jeonbuk Driving School stated. “It seemed like a great weight had lifted off our shoulders. When she kept showing up, we didn’t have the courage to ask her to leave.”
Speaking with Reuters news agency after her 775th failure, Mrs. Cha who had appeared undaunted said: “I believe you can achieve your goal if you persistently pursue it, so don’t give up on your dream, like me. Be strong and do your best.”
