A determined teenager from the UK has proven that traditional driving lessons aren't the only path to success after passing her test on the first attempt—having taught herself entirely through YouTube tutorials.
17-year-old Molly Hughes, from an undisclosed town in England, spent months studying online videos and practising manoeuvres in empty car parks before booking her practical exam. Against all odds, she aced it without ever taking a single professional lesson.
The Unconventional Learning Method
"I watched hundreds of hours of videos—everything from parallel parking to roundabout rules," Molly explained. "My parents couldn't afford proper lessons, so I'd borrow my mum's car at weekends and practise in industrial estates when they were deserted."
Her makeshift training regime included:
- Recreating mock test scenarios from YouTube demonstrations
- Studying hazard perception clips frame-by-frame
- Using traffic cones to perfect parking techniques
Examiners Were Stunned
"When I told the examiner I'd never had a proper lesson, his jaw literally dropped," Molly laughed. "He said my steering control was better than most learners with 40+ hours of tuition."
DVSA statistics show first-time pass rates hover around 47%, making Molly's achievement even more remarkable. Road safety experts, however, have issued cautious warnings.
A Word of Caution
While praising Molly's dedication, the AA reminded prospective drivers: "YouTube can supplement learning but doesn't replace professional instruction on public roads. Many critical skills develop through real-world experience with qualified instructors."
Undeterred, Molly now plans to create her own YouTube channel to help other budget-conscious learners. "If I can do it, anyone can—but maybe get some insurance first!" she joked.
