The DVSA reopened its practical driving test booking system on Friday 21 August, for the first time since lockdown in March.
Unfortunately, as the five-month backlog of hopeful learners all jumped at the same time, the website couldn’t handle the pressure.
According to the DVSA, the system was accessed seven million times on Friday, but many people were unable to complete their booking.
The DVSA has struggled to offer timely driving tests in the past, with wait times often a couple of months. Now, it has confirmed that new slots won’t be available more than six weeks in advance, so there’s a limit on how many are even offered.
The practical test booking system will be down until 8am on Wednesday 26 August, while the DVSA scrambles to meet the technical demand for access to the site.
Without enough test slots available, however, that will be small comfort for learners. The DVSA has opened up evening and weekend slots, but there are only so many testers – and a lot of frustrated people waiting.
Following problems with the driving test booking service, it is currently unavailable so we can carry out essential work
— DVSA Support (@DVSA_HelpMe) August 24, 2020
The service will reopen on Wednesday 26 August at 8am. Please do not call as we won’t be able to book tests.
We are sorry for any inconvenience caused.
