Cha Sa-Soon, at 68 years old, made it into the Guinness World Records due to her dedication in acquiring a driver’s license.
Being highlighted on an automotive service company’s platform is quite an achievement. After 960 attempts and an expenditure of over $14,000, Cha Sa-soon rightfully earned recognition and has become an international sensation.
This 69-year-old from South Korea passed her driving test 15 years ago, but her tale continues to resonate globally. It is shared by a British automotive services firm based in the West Midlands, UK, and discussed across numerous Reddit forums.
In a chat with The New York Times, Sa-soon shared that she didn’t embark on learning to drive until her sixties because she was ‘too busy raising [her] four children’.
But did Cha Sa-soon find the theory or the practical part of the driving test more challenging?
Celebrated as ‘a national celebrity for her tenacity and commitment,’ the RAC outlines how Cha Sa-soon faced challenges in both the theory and practical aspects of getting her driver’s license.
It notes that Sa-Soon initially attempted the written theory test in April 2005, but unfortunately, she did not succeed.
Nevertheless, she persevered, and after taking exams consistently—almost ‘every day, five days a week over three years’—she finally succeeded.
Then came the practical test, bringing further challenges—100 to be precise.
In total, Sa-soon took 960 exams in her quest to obtain her driving license, praised by a YouTuber as “A woman of pure determination and sheer will.”
If the 69-year-old ever seeks employment, she certainly has an astonishing story to tell when asked about “a challenge you overcame.”
But what made Sa-soon so determined to secure her driver’s license?
According to the RAC, Sa-soon invested approximately £11,000 ($14,000) in all of her exams.
For her, it was worthwhile, as owning a vehicle was essential for supporting her vegetable-selling business and taking her grandchildren to the zoo.
And when she finally passed? Sa-soon’s instructor from Jeonbuk Driving School told The New York Times: “We all went out cheering and hugged her, giving her flowers.”
Understandably, with the flowers presented, considering the $14,000 she spent on her license, not to mention the cost of driving lessons to prepare for the practical test.
In a touching gesture, upon learning of Sa-soon’s success after her 960th try, South Korean car manufacturer Hyundai gifted her a new vehicle valued at around $15,000.
Patience truly pays off, doesn’t it?