Luke Littler left 'shaking with nerves' after paparazzi motorway chase days after passing driving test

Ed Griffiths

By Ed Griffiths


Published: 07/11/2025

- 14:31

The world number one is preparing to defend his Grand Slam of Darts title

Darts ace Luke Littler has revealed he was chased on a motorway by a photographer just days after passing his driving test.

The incident left the world number one "shaking with nerves” after a freelance photographer tried to get pictures of him driving his new car.


He passed his practical exam in Warrington, Cheshire without a single fault, having failed his theory test six times.

The 18-year-old revealed that he was able to buy his dream car, a new BMW, in an Instagram post on Thursday.

He said: "On Wednesday, I was driving up to (girlfriend) Faith’s, and I was getting followed.

"I made the latest exit that you could possibly do on a motorway.

"I came off so late and then so did he. And I think I did about three U-turns, he did the same, but I was just shaking with nerves.

"I’d been driving for two days getting followed on a motorway. So that’s why I posted the car so he couldn’t sell his pictures. So that’s for him."

Luke Littler

Luke Littler revealed he was chased on a motorway by a photographer

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GETTY

Littler added: "I know it’s the job, but following me on the motorway – it’s dead busy. I was nervous and stuff. But, yeah, that’s why I posted the car so he couldn’t do it."

He said his new vehicle, which has a personalised registration plate, was actually bought in May and acted as motivation following an embarrassing run of failed theories.

He said: "I just wanted to pass as soon as possible. Believe it or not, I bought the car in May.

"I didn’t buy it yesterday. When I put it on my story, I’ve had it for quite a few months now."

DartsFive things to know about the sport of darts | PA

Litter said: "As soon as I bought the car I was like, ‘Let’s just try and get this theory over and done with’. I didn’t want to do any lessons until I passed the theory.

"I didn’t have many hours learning, but I just got used to it. I’ve only gone for the automatic, none of all that manual stuff.

"It’s very different and it was a bit nervy on my test. I didn’t know who the instructor was but I’m glad I passed. I got zero minors.”

Littler is preparing to defend his Grand Slam of Darts title in Wolverhampton next week.

Luke LittlerLuke Littler poses with his certificate after passing his driving test | INSTAGRAM

His success was announced by his driving school on Instagram, which posted online: “Congratulations to Luke Littler on passing his driving test today at Warrington on his first attempt with ZERO driving faults.

“Absolutely amazing achievement, well done — now enjoy that car!”

In a second major achievement this week, Littler was voted the world’s sexiest sportsman in an IllicitEncounters.com survey, which he explained was hard to believe.

Littler said: "I saw something on the news on my phone. I thought, ‘Surely, this can’t be true’.

"When then I saw it on ITV news. I was just like, ‘Fair enough’. I have no idea if there’s a trophy, I didn’t even know it was a thing."