Failing 959 times, yet still refusing to quit—this is the story of Cha Sa-soon, a South Korean grandmother who passed her driving test on her 960th attempt. After nearly five years of relentless testing, her achievement made headlines worldwide in 2010 and became a symbol of unwavering persistence.

For most people, repeated failure would be enough to give up. But Cha’s journey wasn’t just about getting a driver’s license; it was about resilience, determination, and the courage to keep going when everything seemed impossible. Her story challenges the conventional views of success and reminds us that the path to achieving our goals may take longer than expected, but that doesn’t make it any less worthwhile.

Cha’s incredible perseverance continues to inspire, showing us that the true measure of success lies not in the outcome, but in the refusal to give up—even when the odds seem insurmountable.

Village Life Challenges

Cha Sa-soon grew up in difficult circumstances. She was born into a low-income farming family with seven children. Financial hardships forced her to drop out of middle school to work in her family’s fields—an early sacrifice that limited her educational opportunities but developed her resilience.

Living in Sinchon, a mountainous village with limited accessibility, Cha faced practical transportation difficulties daily. Public transit consisted of a single bus operating every two hours on highly narrow roads designed for one-way traffic. This presented significant business challenges for someone selling homegrown vegetables to support herself.

Her motivation for pursuing a license stemmed from practical needs: maintaining her vegetable-selling business and gaining independence. She also harbored a heartwarming wish to take her grandchildren to the zoo – a simple desire that fueled her extraordinary persistence.

“I always missed school,” Cha told reporters, explaining how she viewed her daily trips to the testing center as filling an educational void from her childhood. Each failure became merely another day of learning rather than a setback.

Four Years, 960 Tests

Cha’s testing marathon began in April 2005 with an ambitious schedule. During the first three years, she took the theory test daily, five days per week. Eventually, she reduced her testing frequency to twice weekly but maintained steady commitment.

Each test costs approximately S$7.69, accumulating to a staggering financial investment estimated at 5 million won (roughly S$5,125 or US$4,200-13,500, depending on exchange rates). Most people would consider this expense prohibitive, but Cha viewed it as an investment in her future independence.

South Korean driving tests require a minimum score of 60 out of 100 points to pass the theory section – a benchmark Cha finally achieved on her 950th attempt in 2009. However, her journey continued as she faced the practical driving components, failing each one at least four times before finally securing her full license in 2010.

During this marathon testing period, Cha never displayed frustration or defeat. According to her instructors, she maintained a cheerful disposition throughout and approached each new test with fresh determination.

From Student to Celebrity

When Cha finally passed her tests, the reaction at Jeonbuk Driving School was jubilant. “When she finally got her license, we all went out in cheers and hugged her, giving her flowers,” Park Su-yeon, an instructor, told The New York Times in 2010. “It felt like a huge burden falling off our back. We didn’t have the guts to tell her to quit because she kept showing up.”

Another instructor, Lee Chang Su, added: “It drove you crazy to teach her, but we could not get mad at her. She was always cheerful. She still had the little girl in her.”

Her extraordinary persistence captured international media attention, transforming this humble grandmother into a global symbol of determination. In November 2020, Guinness World Records officially recognized her achievement, highlighting her record for “most driving theory tests taken,” Asian American news site NextShark reported.

South Korean automotive giant Hyundai recognized the marketing potential in Cha’s inspirational story and gifted her a brand new car worth approximately S$21,200 (US$16,800). Subsequently, she starred in a popular commercial campaign for the company, bringing her unlikely fame in her senior years.

 Fame, Doubts, and an Unlikely Icon

Cha Sa-soon’s incredible perseverance didn’t go unnoticed. Her journey captured the hearts of people around the world and sparked widespread media attention. In 2010, her achievement was officially recognized by the Guinness World Records for “most driving theory tests taken.” But her fame didn’t stop there. The story of this determined grandmother touched a chord with people across cultures, becoming a symbol of resilience that transcended borders.

As Cha’s story spread, South Korea’s leading automotive company, Hyundai, took notice. Recognizing the marketing potential of her inspiring tale, they gifted her a brand-new car worth $16,800 and invited her to star in a commercial campaign. What started as a humble, personal goal transformed into a public triumph that resonated with millions.

However, not everyone celebrated her success. Some questioned her driving ability, raising concerns about safety given the number of attempts it took her to pass. Comments about her suitability to drive raised legitimate doubts, especially after reports surfaced that Cha had experienced a few minor accidents in her first year of driving. While these concerns are valid, they also highlight a deeper question: can we truly measure success by our initial failures or by the determination it takes to overcome them?

Despite the mixed reactions, Cha’s story continues to inspire, reminding us that the true value of persistence isn’t in the result, but in the courage to continue, no matter the odds.

Persistence Pays Off

Regardless of driving proficiency debates, Cha’s story powerfully illustrates persistence against overwhelming odds. Many would consider failing a test 959 times conclusive evidence of inability, yet Cha refused to accept this limitation.

Her achievement challenges assumptions about age barriers, demonstrating that senior citizens can acquire new skills despite societal expectations. Many older adults abandon learning pursuits, believing themselves too old to master new concepts, but Cha proves otherwise.

For Cha, the driving license represented more than transportation – it symbolized access to educational opportunities missed in her youth due to economic circumstances. “I didn’t mind,” she said about her years of testing. “To me, commuting every day to take the test was like going to school.”

Her story holds particular cultural significance in South Korea, a society that highly values academic achievement and educational credentials. Cha earned her form of educational certification through unconventional means despite her limited formal schooling.

The Power of ‘One More Try’

Cha Sa-soon’s journey teaches us a powerful lesson: success is not defined by how quickly we achieve our goals, but by how unwilling we are to give up. She faced repeated failures, but each one only fueled her resolve. In a world where quitting often seems easier than persevering, Cha’s story is a reminder that true strength lies in resilience and determination.

Her record-breaking achievement shows us that it’s not age, background, or resources that limit us—it’s our willingness to keep moving forward, no matter how many times we fall. Cha’s story encourages us to keep pursuing what matters, even when the road ahead is long and filled with obstacles.

So, the next time you face a challenge, remember Cha Sa-soon. Let her persistence remind you that failure isn’t the end—it’s just a step toward success. Keep going, because every attempt brings you closer to the victory you’ve been working for.

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