Seo Sang-moon figured he would eventually be able to pass his driver’s license examination. And indeed, he did—on his 272nd attempt. After clearing one more regulatory hurdle, Seo will have his first driver’s license, even though he is nearly 70.

Seo, from a rural area of South Korea, had no chance to pass a written examination because he is illiterate. So he took oral examinations as often as possible in order to learn the rules of the road. Now, after spending nearly $1,000 in fees, he has reached his goal.

Now all Seo has to do is pass the road test. He admits this part of the process will be difficult, but he is not afraid: “After trying 271 times to pass the oral exam, what do I have to be afraid of?”