Driving test website crashes as learners scramble to book tests
THE website where learner drivers can book their driving tests has crashed on the first day it reopened after the coronavirus outbreak.
Hundreds of people who have tried to book a test on the Driver & Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) this morning said they had difficulty getting on to the website.
It comes after the government suspended driving tests on March 20 as the UK was gripped by the pandemic.
Today, August 21, was the first time that learners could book a test after lockdown.
Those who had their driving tests booked and then cancelled were allowed to rebook them from July 25 to help with the backlog.
The theory tests resumed on July 4.
But some learners said they had been trying to book tests for three or four hours.
They described the website crashing as "a joke" and they had been left "livid".
Others said there was also a wait on the phone lines for an hour.
Screenshots of the website show it saying that as users had been "inactive" for 30 minutes, their application had been cleared.
When The Sun tried to log on to the website, it was show a message which said ";504 Gateway Time-out".
One wrote on Twitter: "Beyond a joke. I had a critical workers link since last Friday and there had been no tests all week...and now!"
Another said: "I’ve been trying to book my driving test online and the session keeps timing out. I have tried to call and someone keeps hanging up or cutting the line. I would greatly appreciate better customer service and an explanation please."
Another driver added: "Been waiting for months only for the website to continually crash, what a joke."
Some drivers said they were unable to book tests for six or seven weeks' time.
It is understood that the DVSA is only releasing a limited number of bookings at a time to keep learners and driving test examiners safe.
More tests will be released on Monday and bookings aren't being taken further than six weeks in advance so that any changes that need to be made, because of Covid-19, can be done easily.
In response to some learners, the DVSA said on Twitter: "Sorry, it looks like your computer may be taking you to a cached copy of the page. Try this: Demand is high, so please be patient."
A DVSA spokesman said: “Following unprecedented demand for the driving test booking system after its reopening, we are aware that some users have not been able to complete their test bookings.
“We are urgently working to fix this and apologise for any inconvenience caused to those who have been unable to book so far.”
How driving tests have changed
This is how driving tests have changed since before the pandemic:
1. You will have to wear a face mask
Drivers and examiners will have to wear a face mask when they take their tests.
If you can't wear one, for example you suffer from asthma, then you should let the test centre know as soon as possible.
Am I eligible for a refund if I can no longer take the test?
YOU are eligible for a refund if you have a driving test booked.
To cancel your test and get a refund, you will have to email [email protected].
Alternatively, it will be re-booked for a new date, according to
Some examiners can choose to wear gloves and use disposable seat covers as well.
You may be asked to remove your face covering briefly so that the examiner can check your ID.
You should also make sure you have one that fits correctly. The examiner will ask you to pull over if you need to adjust it.
If it becomes a safety issue, the examiner will end your test early.
If you don't say you could not wear a face mask when you booked your test, and arrive without one, your test will be cancelled.
2. You will find out midway through your test if you've failed
Normally, drivers have to wait until the end of their test to find out whether or not they had passed.
But now, those who commit a serious offence early on will find out immediately if they have failed.
They will immediately be directed back to the test centre to minimise the amount of time they spend in the vehicle.
Learners should carry on with the test if they make a minor mistake.
3. The car must be cleaned before your test
You must make sure the car has been cleaned before the instructor is allowed in the vehicle with you.
The examiner will also need to use an antiviral wipe to clean the passenger door and anything else they will need to touch inside the car.
4. Waiting rooms will be closed
Drivers should not arrive for their test more than five minutes before your appointment time.
Test centre waiting rooms will be closed so you'll need to stay outside until your test is due to begin.
You will be able to ask to use the toilets though.
5. Driving instructors can't sit in the car during your test
To minimise the number of people in the car at the same time, driving instructors are not allowed to sit in the back seat while you take your test.
This is part of the new social distancing measures introduced at driving test centres.
6. You'll be asked to get out of the car to get your results
To minimise the amount of time that you spend in the car, you and the examiner will need to step out of the vehicle while you get your results.
You will also be asked whether or not you'd like your instructor to join you while you hear the feedback.
7. Don't come for your test if you've got coronavirus symptoms
You must not go for your drivers test if you or a member of your household have coronavirus symptoms.
If you've been contacted by NHS Test and Trace, you also shouldn't go to the test centre.
If you get ill, you can change the time and date of your driving test free of charge, even if you do this at short notice, within three working days of your test.
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Meanwhile, make sure you wear sunglasses behind the wheel or you could get a £5k fine.
And research found a fifth of drivers struggle to get behind the wheel after lockdown.