A 69-year-old woman from South Korea, Cha Sa-Soon, became an international symbol of unwavering perseverance after finally earning her driver’s license on her astonishing 960th attempt. Her remarkable journey, widely reported in South Korean and global media, continues to inspire millions who see her as proof that persistence can overcome even the most difficult challenges.

According to TODAY Online, Cha began taking the written portion of the driving exam in 2005. Living in the rural village of Sinchon in Jeolla Province, she hoped to obtain a driver’s license so she could travel more easily and support her small vegetable-selling business. However, the test proved exceptionally difficult for her. She failed repeatedly—sometimes scoring far below the required passing mark—but she refused to give up. For years, she visited the testing center almost every day, often traveling long distances and investing precious time and energy into each attempt.

Her relentless dedication came at a significant financial cost. Local media such as The Korea Times and Yonhap News Agency reported that Cha spent more than 5,000 USD in examination fees over the years. Still, she showed no frustration or embarrassment. Instead, she adopted a simple philosophy: keep trying until success arrives. After five full years of continuous attempts, Cha finally passed the written exam in 2010—an achievement that instantly attracted nationwide attention.

With the written portion behind her, she continued with the practical driving test. Although she also needed multiple attempts to pass the road test, her calm determination never wavered. Eventually, she earned her full driver’s license, bringing to an end a 14-year journey that would later earn her a place in world records. According to Supercar Blondie and supported by BBC News coverage, Cha now holds the record for the most attempts ever made to pass a driving test.

Her story spread quickly across South Korea and beyond. Many celebrated her for demonstrating that age, repeated failure, and financial hardship are not barriers to achieving a goal. Her perseverance inspired countless online discussions, television features, and motivational articles. The South Korean automaker Hyundai even featured her in a national advertising campaign, portraying her as a symbol of resilience and lifelong learning.

To this day, Cha Sa-Soon remains a beloved figure—someone who proved that persistence, patience, and self-belief can triumph over any obstacle, no matter how long the road may be.