In a story that has captured hearts across the globe, a South Korean woman has become a symbol of perseverance after finally passing her driving test on the 961st attempt — and was gifted a free car in celebration of her unwavering determination.
Cha Sa-soon, a resident of Sinchon village, first attempted her written driving test in 2005. Despite failing hundreds of times over the years, she refused to give up. After over 900 attempts and countless hours of practice, she successfully passed her written and practical exams.
Her incredible journey, filled with determination and resilience, quickly went viral and even caught the attention of major automobile companies.
In recognition of her persistence, Hyundai Motor Company gifted Cha a brand-new car — a gesture of admiration and encouragement. The company representatives praised her story as one of “inspiration, strength, and never giving up.”
- Written Test Attempts: Over 950
- Driving Practice Attempts: Multiple over the years
- Age at passing: Mid-60s
- Years of Effort: Nearly 5 years of continuous attempts
- Car Gifted: Hyundai (exact model not disclosed)
Cha’s message to others:
“Don’t be afraid to fail. If you keep going, you will succeed.”
Her story has now become a national sensation, often used in schools and seminars as a lesson in perseverance and self-belief.
While most might give up after a handful of failures, Cha Sa-soon proved that true success often lies beyond repeated setbacks — and sometimes, the road may be long, but the destination is worth it.
