Woman passes driving theory test on 950th try

		South Korean Cha Sa Soon, 68, proudly displaying her application form for a driving licence in Wanju, near Jeonju, on Wednesday. -- PHOTO: ASSOCIATED PRESS

SEOUL: A woman in South Korea who has tried to pass the written exam for a driving licence with near-daily attempts since April 2005 has finally succeeded on her 950th time.

The aspiring driver spent more than 5 million won (S$5,900) 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.

Ms Cha Sa Soon, 68, finally passed the written exam with a score of 60 on Wednesday, said Mr Choi Young Chul, a police official at the driving licence agency in Jeonju, 210km south of Seoul.

Police said Ms Cha took the test hundreds of times, but did not give a specific total. Local media said she took the test 950 times.

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

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

ASSOCIATED PRESS