Luke Littler, the 18-year-old darts prodigy and 2025 PDC World Darts Champion, has faced a setback off the oche, failing his driving theory test for the fourth time. The Warrington native, known for his meteoric rise in darts, shared his disappointment on Instagram, posting a picture of his exam report with the caption “4th time and counting” alongside a “green feeling unwell” emoji. The results, reported widely on July 16, 2025, showed Littler scored 45 out of 50 on the multiple-choice section, surpassing the pass mark, but fell short on the hazard perception portion with 41 out of 75, missing the required 44 by just three points.[]
Despite his unparalleled focus on the darts board—evidenced by two World Series of Darts titles, 13 PDC titles, five major titles, and being the youngest to hit a televised nine-dart finish—Littler’s struggles with the Highway Code have become a point of lighthearted discussion. His friend AngryGinge teased him on *Celebrity Gogglebox*, joking, “You can do all this, but you can’t pass your driving theory!” Posts on X echoed this sentiment, with users like @ashtonbrownie22 noting the irony of Littler’s dart-throwing precision contrasted with his test woes, saying, “Can hit 180’s all day long… but can’t even pass his driving theory test 😂.”
Littler, who became an MBE in June 2025, has expressed a desire to drive a Mercedes A-Class, a step up from his earlier fondness for a Ford Focus, reflecting his rise in status. However, his busy schedule, including recent participation in the US Darts Masters at Madison Square Garden, may be limiting his preparation time. The timing of this latest failure is notable, as Littler is gearing up for the World Matchplay in Blackpool, starting July 19, 2025, where he faces Ryan Searle in the first round, aiming for his first title in the event.
The driving theory test, a prerequisite for the practical exam, has proven a tougher challenge than Littler’s darts opponents. His recurring struggle with hazard perception, which requires identifying potential road dangers in video clips, suggests a need for sharper focus in this area. As he prepares for his fifth attempt, Littler’s resilience will be tested, much like his composure under pressure at the oche. Fans remain optimistic, with comments on X like “One day he will we hope” reflecting support for the young star. With his next darts challenge looming, Littler must quickly shift focus from the exam room to the stage, where his precision is rarely in doubt.
