At just 18, Luke Littler has conquered the darts world, earning the title of 2025 PDC World Darts Champion and dazzling audiences with his precision on the oche. Yet, when it comes to mastering the Highway Code, the young prodigy from Warrington, England, is finding the challenge far tougher than hitting a bullseye. On July 16, 2025, Littler took to Instagram to share the disappointing news of his fourth failed attempt at the UK driving theory test, captioning a photo of his results with a wry “4th time and counting” alongside a green, queasy-faced emoji. Despite his global success, this latest setback has fans and friends alike rallying around the teenager, whose humility and humor shine through even in defeat.
Littler’s meteoric rise in darts began 18 months ago, when he burst onto the scene as a 16-year-old phenom, reaching the PDC World Championship final before he was even old enough to take driving lessons. Now, with two World Series of Darts titles, 13 PDC titles, and the distinction of being the youngest player to hit a televised nine-dart finish, Littler’s trophy cabinet is overflowing. His recent honor as an MBE last month further cements his status as a national treasure. Yet, the driving theory test—a prerequisite for the practical driving exam—has proven to be an unexpected hurdle. Scoring an impressive 45 out of 50 on the multiple-choice section, well above the passing mark, Littler stumbled on the hazard perception portion, managing only 41 out of 75, just two points shy of the required 44. “I’m sorry to tell you that you failed your car theory test,” read the top of his results letter, a phrase that has become all too familiar to the darts star.
The news sparked a wave of lighthearted banter, including from Littler’s friend and YouTuber AngryGinge, who teased him during their appearance on *Celebrity Gogglebox*. Pointing to Littler’s glittering array of trophies, AngryGinge quipped, “You can do all this, but you can’t pass your driving theory!” The jab drew laughs, but it also highlighted Littler’s down-to-earth nature—a quality that endears him to fans. On X, supporters expressed a mix of sympathy and encouragement, with one user joking, “Got to love how normal Luke Littler is. Can hit 180s all day long… but can’t even pass his driving theory test 😂.” Another suggested, “Should have gone T20 25 D20,” playfully applying Littler’s darts precision to the test.
Littler’s struggles with the theory test come at a busy time. He’s gearing up for the World Matchplay in Blackpool, where he’ll face Ryan Searle in the first round on July 20, 2025, aiming to claim the title for the first time. The tournament, a highlight of the darts calendar, demands the same focus that has made Littler a global sensation. His recent performance at the US Darts Masters at Madison Square Garden showcased his ability to captivate audiences worldwide, but the packed schedule leaves little room for dwelling on his driving woes. “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,” Littler told reporters earlier this year, revealing his dream of owning a Mercedes A-Class. That dream, however, remains on hold as he prepares for his fifth attempt at the theory test.
The driving theory test, a rite of passage for UK drivers, tests knowledge of road rules and the ability to spot hazards in simulated scenarios. Littler’s strength in the multiple-choice section shows his grasp of the rules, but the hazard perception portion, which requires quick reactions to potential dangers, has proven trickier. For a player known for his laser-like focus on the dartboard, the irony of struggling with on-screen hazards isn’t lost on fans. Yet, Littler’s openness about his failures adds to his relatability. Unlike the high-stakes world of professional darts, where he’s shattered records and defied expectations, the test room has become a humbling arena where even “The Nuke” can’t quite land the winning shot.
As Littler prepares for Blackpool, his resilience will be key. The teenager has faced pressure before—reaching the World Championship final at 16, winning the 2025 title at 17, and performing in front of thousands at venues like Alexandra Palace and Madison Square Garden. Each time, he’s bounced back stronger, a trait that will serve him well both on the oche and in the test center. Fans remain confident, with one posting on X, “We have faith you will get it next time!” For now, Littler’s journey to the driver’s seat is a work in progress, but his ability to laugh off setbacks and focus on the next challenge proves why he’s a champion in more ways than one.
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