At just 18, Luke Littler has conquered the darts world with an ease that belies his age. Known as “The Nuke,” he’s clinched the World Darts Championship, World Matchplay, and Premier League titles, cementing his place as the youngest ever to complete darts’ prestigious Triple Crown. His precision on the oche is unmatched, with crowds around the globe marveling at his ability to hit 180s with laser-like focus. Yet, despite his dominance in the high-stakes world of professional darts, one challenge continues to elude him: the UK driving theory test. In a twist that has left fans both amused and stunned, Littler recently revealed he’s failed the exam for the fifth time, a setback that’s as surprising as it is relatable.
Littler took to Instagram to share the news of his latest attempt, posting a snapshot of his test results with the caption, “5th time and counting…” accompanied by a green, unwell-looking emoji. The results painted a mixed picture of his efforts. He scored 44 out of 75 on the hazard perception section, hitting the exact mark needed to pass that portion. However, his performance on the multiple-choice section was less impressive, with a score of 41 out of 50—two marks shy of the required 43 to pass. This was a reversal of his fortunes from two weeks prior, when he had aced the multiple-choice section with a 45 but faltered on hazard perception, scoring just 41 out of 75. The young star’s ongoing struggle with the test has sparked a wave of reactions, highlighting the stark contrast between his prowess in darts and his difficulties mastering the Highway Code.
Fans have been quick to weigh in, with social media buzzing about Littler’s unexpected challenge. One supporter posted, “Got to love how normal Luke Littler is. Can hit 180s all day long and win countless games against some of the best. But can’t even pass his driving theory test.” Another remarked, “How do you fail a car theory test five times… Luke Littler won’t be driving any time soon it seems.” While some fans find humor in the situation, others have offered more serious advice, with one suggesting, “No conspiracies, just revise better. Buy the mock test in your apps and revise more. Maybe he hasn’t got the time with the travelling around for darts but clearly he’s not revising enough if he’s failed it five times.” The commentary underscores a universal truth: even a world champion can stumble over the hurdles of everyday life.
Littler’s driving ambitions are no secret. He’s openly shared his dream of cruising in a Mercedes A-Class, a modest yet stylish choice for the darts sensation who’s risen rapidly in the world. “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. “I’ve always loved a Mercedes A-Class. Just a small car.” However, with his latest test failure, that dream remains on hold. The demands of his whirlwind career—fresh off a World Matchplay victory in Blackpool where he defeated James Wade 18-13 to become one of only five players to hold the Matchplay, Premier League, and World Championship titles—may be part of the challenge. His schedule, packed with global tournaments like the upcoming Australian and New Zealand Darts Masters, leaves little room for studying.
The irony of Littler’s situation hasn’t been lost on those close to him. During a recent appearance on Celebrity Gogglebox, his friend and streamer Morgan Burtwistle, known as AngryGinge, couldn’t resist a playful jab. Surrounded by Littler’s glittering array of trophies, Burtwistle quipped, “You can do all this, but you can’t pass your driving theory!” The exchange highlighted the peculiar contrast between Littler’s extraordinary achievements and his struggle with a test that thousands of British teens pass annually. Littler, who was awarded an MBE last month, took the teasing in stride, a testament to his grounded nature despite his meteoric rise.
As Littler prepares for his next attempt at the theory test, his fans remain supportive, rooting for him to conquer this personal challenge with the same determination he brings to the darts board. His journey serves as a reminder that even the most talented among us face setbacks in the mundane tasks of life. For now, Littler will continue to dominate the darts world, but the open road—and that coveted Mercedes A-Class—will have to wait just a little longer.
Leave a Reply