SKorean woman passes driver's license test on 950th attempt over 4 years and $4,200

Associated Press

Last update: November 6, 2009 - 3:36 PM

SEOUL, South Korea - A woman in South Korea who tried to pass the written exam for a driver's license with near-daily attempts since April 2005 has finally succeeded on her 950th time. The aspiring driver spent more than 5 million won ($4,200) in application fees, but until now had failed to score the minimum 60 out of a possible 100 points needed to get behind the wheel for a driving test.

Cha Sa-soon, 68, finally passed the written exam with a score of 60 on Wednesday, said Choi Young-chul, a police official at the drivers' license agency in Jeonju, 130 miles (210 kilometers) south of Seoul.

Police said Cha took the test hundreds of times, but had no specific total. Local media said she took the test 950 times.

Now she must pass a driving test before getting her license, Choi said.

Repeated calls to Cha seeking comment went unanswered. She told the Korea Times newspaper she needed the license for her vegetable-selling business.

Recent Nation stories

The nation's weather - November 6, 2009

The nation's weather - A blistery and chilly day was expected in the Midwest and Great Lakes on Wednesday, while the Pacific Northwest was forecast to remain wet and cool. More