I got my private pilot's licence years ago. I remember in the ground school portion a particular individual that had failed the FAA written exam something like 6 or 7 times. Talking to his instructor, I found out he had over 70 hours of dual instruction (actual flight time with instructor) and still had not done his first solo flight, the average was something like 10 or 12.This guy had no common sense.
My point is that there is a certain amount of common sense built into the testing requirements. The above person was being subsidized by a rich Arab uncle, any normal person would have run out of money long before ever receiving a license.
My Father put a 'block' on any further repeat applications of a guy who wanted CPL rating out of UK. My Father was Chief Flight Ops and Investigation for CAA UK - reported only to Director CAA and Minister ..... the guy went to 'Florida' for 'Offshore' Certificate and was issued. He flew BA146 for a an Arab Sheik ...... till he got grounded by 'The Arab State' ...
I remember him in my Fathers house pleading for another chance ...
Nigel