THE drinks are on Rossendale landlord Thomas O’Toole – who has just passed his driving theory test at the 17th attempt!

Thomas, 20, who runs Madison’s Wine Bar, in Rawtenstall, and recently took over The Bridge End Hotel, in Helmshore, admitted it was ‘a relief’ to finally pass the test and plans to be on the road before his 21st birthday.

The man named Britain’s youngest landlord said he had spent more than £500 taking theory exams since 2008.

He said: “After about the 12th failure I just stopped telling my friends I was taking it, in case they took the mick. I kept it quiet.

“I think I must have tried to pass at every test centre in the North West.”

After finally achieving the required 86% pass mark in Preston last week, Thomas went out to celebrate.

“I have sat in so many rooms and been disappointed.

“Sometimes I was thinking ‘I have no common sense’.

“But I always set my sights on driving by the time I’m 21 and I’m still on course to do that.

“I have already bought a car and had a few lessons, so hopefully it won’t take four years to complete this test,” he added.

The theory test includes a multiple choice exam in which would-be drivers have to get 43, or more, questions, out of 50, correct within 57 minutes before taking to the road for their practical test.

Thomas said his previous failures were down to a lack of time spent studying as he pursues an acting career alongside running the pubs.

He has appeared in Hollyoaks, Waterloo Road, and Fresh Meat, and is currently filming for CBBC series Stepping Up.