In a twist that has left fans both amused and sympathetic, 18-year-old darts sensation Luke Littler, known for his pinpoint precision on the oche, has faced yet another setback in his quest to conquer the UK’s driving theory test. The Warrington native, who has taken the darts world by storm, revealed on social media that he has failed the exam for the fourth time, a hurdle that continues to keep him from getting behind the wheel of his dream car, a Mercedes A-Class. Despite his unparalleled focus in the high-stakes world of professional darts, Littler’s struggles with the Highway Code have become a relatable tale of perseverance for his legion of supporters.
Littler, affectionately nicknamed “The Nuke” for his explosive performances, shared the disappointing news via an Instagram story, posting a snapshot of his test results with the caption, “fourth time and counting,” accompanied by a green, nauseated emoji that perfectly captured his frustration. The results showed a mixed performance: he scored an impressive 45 out of 50 on the multiple-choice section, surpassing the pass mark by two points. However, the hazard perception portion proved to be his Achilles’ heel, with a score of 41 out of 75—just three points shy of the required 44. This narrow miss has delayed his ambitions of hitting the road, a goal he’s been vocal about since his meteoric rise in darts.
At just 18, Littler has already etched his name into darts history. He became the youngest player to reach the World Championship final and has clinched two World Series of Darts titles, 13 PDC titles, five major titles, and the prestigious honor of being the youngest to hit a televised nine-dart finish. His achievements have earned him an MBE and a global following, with fans marveling at his ability to dominate opponents with laser-like focus. Yet, the driving theory test has proven to be a formidable opponent, one that requires a different kind of precision—one that Littler is still mastering.
The young star’s struggles have not gone unnoticed by his peers. During a recent appearance on *Celebrity Gogglebox*, Littler’s friend and fellow personality AngryGinge couldn’t resist a playful jab. Pointing to Littler’s gleaming collection of trophies, he quipped, “You can do all this, but you can’t pass your driving theory!” The lighthearted ribbing underscored the irony of Littler’s situation: a prodigy who can hit a bullseye under pressure but struggles to navigate the virtual hazards of a computer-based test.
Littler’s busy schedule may be a contributing factor to his repeated setbacks. Fresh off a dazzling performance at the US Darts Masters at Madison Square Garden, where he captivated American audiences, Littler’s time is split between high-profile tournaments and public appearances. This weekend, he’s set to compete in the World Matchplay in Blackpool, facing Ryan Searle in the first round as he chases the title for the first time. The demands of his burgeoning career leave little room for studying the intricacies of road signs and pedestrian crossings, a challenge he’s openly acknowledged.
Despite the setback, Littler’s determination remains unshaken. His love for cars, particularly the sleek Mercedes A-Class, fuels his motivation to keep trying. “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 earlier this year, hinting at his ambitions to celebrate his success with a stylish ride. For now, though, the road to that dream remains blocked by the elusive theory test.
Fans have rallied around Littler, flooding social media with messages of encouragement. Many have shared their own tales of multiple attempts at the driving theory test, reminding the young star that he’s not alone in his struggle. The test, a prerequisite for booking a practical driving exam in the UK, is notorious for its challenging hazard perception section, where candidates must spot potential dangers in video clips—a skill that requires quick reflexes and keen observation, qualities Littler possesses in abundance on the darts board.
As Littler prepares for his fifth attempt, his story resonates as a reminder that even the most talented individuals face hurdles outside their comfort zones. His ability to share his failures openly, with a touch of humor, only endears him further to fans who admire his authenticity. For now, Littler will focus on his upcoming match in Blackpool, where his darts prowess will undoubtedly shine. But off the oche, the road to driving success awaits, and with his trademark determination, it’s only a matter of time before “The Nuke” conquers the Highway Code and cruises toward his next victory—both on and off the stage.
Leave a Reply