Luke Littler, the 18-year-old darts phenom who has taken the world by storm, faced another off-the-oche setback after failing his driving theory test for the fifth time. The Warrington native, celebrated for his pinpoint precision on the dartboard, shared his latest struggle with the UK’s Highway Code via a succinct four-word Instagram post: “Fifth time, no luck.” Accompanied by a green-faced, nauseated emoji, the message captured Littler’s frustration after scoring 46/50 on the multiple-choice section—enough to pass—but stumbling with a 40/75 on hazard perception, falling four points short of the required 44. The announcement, made on July 29, 2025, just days after his triumphant World Matchplay victory, sparked a mix of amusement and encouragement from fans and peers alike.
Littler’s meteoric rise in darts has been nothing short of spectacular. At just 18, he holds the 2025 PDC World Darts Championship title, two World Series titles, 13 PDC titles, and five major titles, including the coveted World Matchplay crown he claimed on July 27, 2025, defeating James Wade 18-13 in Blackpool. His record as the youngest player to hit a televised nine-dart finish, achieved at the 2024 Bahrain Darts Masters, underscores his extraordinary talent. Yet, the driving theory test has proven a tougher opponent than any on the oche. “You can do all this, but you can’t pass your driving theory!” teased his friend AngryGinge during a recent *Celebrity Gogglebox* appearance, a jab that resonated across social media as fans marveled at the irony of Littler’s struggles.
The latest test result, shared via an Instagram story showing the dreaded failure notice, highlighted Littler’s strength in the multiple-choice section but exposed his ongoing challenge with hazard perception. Social media erupted with reactions, from playful jibes to supportive messages. One user quipped, “Can hit 180s all day but can’t spot a pedestrian!” while another offered, “Keep at it, Luke—you’ll get there!” The contrast between his darts dominance and driving woes has become a running joke, with fans noting his ability to nail a double 20 but not a passing score. Despite the setback, Littler’s focus remains on his darts career, with the World Matchplay win—where he averaged 107 and hit 17 maximum 180s—fresh in his mind. “It means absolutely everything,” he said after lifting the Phil Taylor Trophy, emphasizing his drive to conquer the sport’s biggest stages.
Littler’s busy schedule may be a factor in his test troubles. Fresh off appearances at the US Darts Masters in New York and a Q&A event with sponsor BoohooMan in Manchester, finding time to study the Highway Code has been challenging. His dream of driving a Mercedes A-Class, a step up from his earlier love for a Ford Focus, remains on hold. “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 aspirations beyond the dartboard. The teenager’s lifestyle, now including a reported mansion in Warrington and a new friendship with 19-year-old beautician Faith Millar, reflects his rapid ascent to stardom.
Despite the driving test woes, Littler’s resilience shines through. His World Matchplay campaign saw him overcome a 5-0 deficit against Josh Rock in the semi-finals, where he unleashed a nine-darter that he said “sparked me into life.” This tenacity suggests that the driving theory test, like his darts opponents, will eventually be conquered. For now, Littler is preparing for his next challenge, with fans eagerly awaiting his fifth attempt at the test. As one supporter posted, “One day he will, we hope.” With his trademark coolness under pressure, Littler is likely to take the failure in stride, focusing on his next shot—whether at a dartboard or a passing score.
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