Luke Littler revealed that he was involved in a scary car chase on the motorway just days after passing his driving test. The darts world champion was on his way to visit his girlfriend, Faith, when he noticed that he was being followed by paparazzi and had to take drastic action.

At the beginning of the week, Littler proudly announced that he had passed his test with no minors on the first attempt. He posed with his certificate and a big smile, having come through six failed attempts at his theory. But in the days to follow, while the 18-year-old was still getting used to the roads, he had to navigate a terrifying situation.

He explained to Darts Now: “On Wednesday I was driving up to Faith’s. I was getting followed. I made the latest exit you could possibly do on the motorway. I came off so late and so did he. I think I did about three U-turns, he did the same. I was just shaking, nervous.

“I’d been driving for two days and getting followed on the motorway, so that’s why I posted the car so he couldn’t sell his pictures. That’s for him. Yeah [it was paparazzi]. I know it’s their job but following me on the motorway… it was dead busy, I was nervous. That’s why I posted the car, so he couldn’t do owt about it.”

Before making news of his ordeal public, Littler had proudly posted pictures of his new £39,000 BMW 120 M Sport on Instagram. It is the same car that he took his test in, and the social media posts of his vehicle now make more sense as the papparazzi could not longer make money off their snaps.

The car, which can go from 0-62mph in 7.8 seconds, was shown off by Littler as he posted a video to his Instagram story of a cover being taken off it – complete with a custom number plate.

It is not the young superstar’s dream car, however, having previously revealed his goal to own a Mercedes A-Class.

“I’ve always loved a Mercedes A-Class,” he said. “Just a small car. Last year I was looking at driving and I loved Ford Focuses. But now, I’ve gone up in the world just a little! What model? No idea. Just an A-Class. I don’t know the different models.”

Faith Millar, who Littler was driving to visit at the time of the frightening chase, congratulated him on Instagram after posting news of his successful test. She wrote: “Wooohoooo passenger princess now.”

His driving instructor, Colin Price, also posted: “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.”