August 26, 2020
Driving test chaos as website crashes AGAIN as 100,000 people queue to book online

THOUSANDS of learner drivers were struggling to book their driving test this morning after the DVSA website crashed again.

More than 100,000 people were placed in a virtual queue after more driving test slots were released today.

Learners had complained that the website was still crashing for them shortly after it reopened after 8am this morning.

The Driver & Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA), which is in charge of booking driving tests, says the website is now working – but with the queuing system in place.

It comes after the DVSA website also crashed on Friday as it opened for the first time since the coronavirus crisis.

The government suspended driving tests on March 20 as the UK was gripped by the coronavirus pandemic.

Frustrated learner drivers joked the DVSA could “keep their licence” this morning after struggling to get online.

One tweeted: “Just gone to book my driving test to be in a queue with 73,000 PEOPLE, just keep my licence who can be arsed.”

Another said: “Just logged onto the driving test… I have 105,092 users in front of me in the queue…”

A third tweeted: “Probably the longest queue I have had in my entire life 99,606. Wish me luck.”

A fourth said: “Nothing like spending four days doing maintenance on your site, only for it to crash 30 seconds after re-opening. Cracking effort.”

Another tweeted: “Absolutely ridiculous service DVSA wasted 12 hours of my time trying to book a driving test on Friday and Saturday, then closing the website until today for ‘essential maintenance’ yet all the website still does is crash!”

When Britannia Driving School tried to access the DVSA website this morning, we were placed in a queue with 192145 people ahead of us.

The DVSA is only releasing limited driving slots so that learners and examiners can comply with social distancing restrictions.

It confirmed in a tweet that it had 35,675 tests available over the next 6 weeks, but it’s not clear if the DVSA is offering spaces beyond this timeframe.

The DVSA was supposed to release more tests this Monday, August 24, but it pushed the next batch back until 8am today due to “unprecedented demand”.

It said “essential maintenance” was done over the weekend to help the website to cope with the number of bookings.

Those who had their driving tests booked before lockdown measures were introduced were allowed to rebook from July 25 to help with the backlog.

The theory tests resumed on July 4.

The DVSA apologised to those who were struggling to get online in a tweet this morning.

It tweeted: “Driving test booking service update.

“For those who have experienced a problem with getting into the booking system, please try again.

“You should now be able to get into the booking system queue. Sorry for any inconvenience.”

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July 22, 2020
Driving Tests restart today in England .

LEARNER drivers in England are able to take their tests again from today – but it won’t be the same as before. Driving tests were suspended in March at the start of lockdown to help stop the spread of the deadly covid 19.

Lessons and theory tests were allowed to restart in England from July 4th but learner drivers have been forced to wait two more weeks to take their practical. Easing lockdown measures is a matter for devolved governments so car practical tests won’t go ahead in Wales until August 17.

Dates for when tests can start again in Scotland and Northern Ireland haven’t been confirmed yet.

Those who had their tests cancelled due to lockdown will be prioritised to clear a backlog of Brits waiting to get their licences.

New bookings are taking a back seat for now and the government hasn’t said when it will start taking new bookings again. The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) sent emails to learner drivers who had their tests postponed on July 16 asking them to rearrange their exams

Unfortunately, you’ll have to take your theory test again before rebooking your practical exam if it expired during lockdown.

DVSA chief driving examiner Mark Winn said: “I know many learners are keen to take their driving test but it is vital they have the right skills and knowledge to help them through a lifetime of safe driving before attempting it. “Learners should practice driving on a variety of roads and in different driving conditions so they are well prepared for driving independently.”

Like pubs and shops, driving centres have to make some changes to the way they carry out tests to make them Covid- 19 secure.

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 cant wear one, for example you suffer from asthma, then you should let the test centre know as soon as possible.

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.

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.

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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July 15, 2020
Driving test news

Inviting Candidates to rebook tests.

From Thursday 16th July onwards the DVSA will be contacting practical car test candidates who had their driving test put on hold due to the lockdown.

Each candidate will be sent an email with a link to book a new test date and time as the usual booking system remains closed.The link will only work for people who have had their test put on hold,initially the DVSA will invite 10,000 people each day and split into batches as to spread out the demand. All the available appointments will be shown online, do not contact the customer service centre they cannot book slots.

Making sure your pupils are ready.

It’s important that you speak to your pupils before they rebook their tests to make sure:

  • they are ready to take their test
  • you are available to take them

As examiners will only be at test centres when they have a test booked, we have increased the minimum notice period for booking a test from 60 minutes to 10 hours.

Wearing a face covering

All candidates must wear a face covering when taking their driving test, unless they have a good reason not to. This includes if:

  • they have a physical or mental illness or impairment, or a disability that means they cannot put on, wear or remove a face covering
  • putting on, wearing or removing a face covering would cause them severe distress

When they arrange their test, they’ll need to say if there’s a good reason they cannot wear a face covering. The email will tell them how to do this.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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June 24, 2020
Driving Lessons and Tests Could soon resume – as soon as the 6th July 20

 

The coronavirus, once an “aggressive tiger” of a disease, has weakened and become more like a wild cat, according to a top Italian doctor.  Professor Matteo Bassett said he is convinced the virus is changing in severity” and patients are now surviving infections that would have killed them before.  And if the virus’s weakening is true, covid – 19 could even disappear without a vaccine by becoming so weak it dies on its own, he claimed.

Notwithstanding, when lessons and tests resume, learners’ drivers face new measures to help protect them, their instructors, and examiners from the spread of coronavirus.  Test centers will be issuing examiners with personal protective equipment (PPE) including gloves and face masks and they will be given training on cleaning equipment such as sat navs and tablets. You should also expect social distance measures to be in place at test centers.

Britannia Driving School will also be providing instructors with PPE and will mandate instructors to thoroughly clean all touch points on their car between lessons.  Also, Instructors will ask all our customers to declare that they are symptom free before they step inside the car.

For Now, we cannot book a new driving test and when booking resumes drivers with a previous test date will be given priority.  Britannia Driving School is aiming for July 6 as a provisional date for when driving lessons can resume.  Obviously, pupils and our driving instructors will require the ability to plan; previously ‘test ready’ pupils without lessons for up to 3 months will require at least a couple of lessons prior to their driving test

In a world where we are not all able to pile onto public transport, being able to drive is a lifeline many wish they had.  Hopefully, it will not be much longer before our instructors are able to provide their vital service to enable people to get about independently.

There is no doubt that Britannia Driving School has an important role to play in the weeks and months ahead to get pupils ready for their driving test safely and quickly. We have the commitment and the capacity to continue to support our instructors and pupils.

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June 19, 2020
Changes to practical driving tests.

Practical driving tests are to be very different from the norm,Driving instructors will face a number of changes when lessons and tests can begin again after being postponed due to the coronavirus outbreak.The Government has issued new guidance ahead of test centres reopening in the coming weeks – but as of yet no date has been set.

But updated government guidelines published this week suggest ways that instructors and examiners can keep themselves and their pupils safe once things do get up and running again.

 

The letter, written by Gareth Llewellyn, chief executive of the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) to driving instructors, said that civil servants are currently reviewing the guidance for driving examiners about carrying out tests.

This includes things like the personal protective equipment they need to wear, how they might greet candidates and how to properly clean equipment such as sat navs and tablets

The letter said masks and gloves have been ordered for all driving examiners, but there has been a delay in obtaining them because of wider shortages.

The agency, which is in charge of carrying out driving tests and approving people to be driving instructors, also warned that social distancing measures might limit the number of tests it can carry out in the coming months.

Currently all driving tests have been put on hold – meaning driving instructors, who are not employed by the government, have also been unable to work.

The Driving Instructors Association currently recommends that instructors should only give training in a car to key workers preparing for an essential driving test, such as emergency workers.

Of course all our instructors at Britannia Driving School are eager to get back on the road to get their pupils back up to test standard and we will be following the guidelines to the letter.

 

 

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June 17, 2020
Are you waiting to take your practical driving test?

Hundreds of thousands of people have had their driving tests cancelled or delayed as a result of the pandemic. It has been more than just a minor inconvenience for those looking for work and caring for children, while instructors face a nervous wait to find out when and how they can return to work safely.

Natasha Wilson was heavily pregnant when she was due to take her test in April. With a three-year-old already in tow, she had been banking on passing before she had her baby.”It’s been a struggle,” said the 21-year-old from Oxford. “I’m not able to go shopping, I’ve had to get my mum to go and get it for me.”Ms Wilson, who has been learning since 2017, applied for her test at the beginning of the year. She said: “I got an email saying they had to cancel it. Now my test is on 9 July but I feel like I will fail at the moment because I have had no practice. “I’ve got two lessons booked in the week before. Passing my test would mean being able to do my food shopping, taking the kids out, going to see my mum and my family.”

In rural areas, the situation is difficult for other reasons – the government advised people to avoid public transport, so those without their own way of getting around are struggling.

George Vane, who lives in the village of Headcorn in Kent, had been due to take his test this month, but has had it postponed until August. “It’s really frustrating because it’s put a hold on being able to find work and I’m relying on my parents to drive me around,” said the 17-year-old.

“Living in the village, there’s a couple of jobs here and there, but it’s quite hard to get a proper job where I can earn enough money. Not being able to drive has hindered my chances of getting work. It’s a huge frustration.”

Abigail Showan, 17, was due to take her test on 19 March – the day her driving test centre closed.”I got an email saying it was just the tests from then on that were cancelled so if I’d have booked it for 18 March then I’d have been fine. “Abigail, from Witney in Oxfordshire, said: “I was so nervous – you mentally prepare for it so for it to be cancelled was so frustrating. “It’s been rebooked and early July is the supposed date but I’ve got no idea whether that will go ahead. “I’ve been able to go out with my parents a few times which is OK for confidence but it’s not the same as having your instructor sitting next to you.”

The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) suspended all driving tests for up to three months from 20 March. It said the official number of cancelled tests was not yet available but government statistics show about 400,000 people take their practical car tests in Great Britain each quarter.

Instructors are facing numerous considerations about returning to work and have been advised by the Driving Instructors Association to check whether learners have been in contact with anyone experiencing virus symptoms, as well as asking them to wash their hands or use sanitiser before getting in the car.

They should also keep windows open for ventilation and wipe down contact points in the vehicle between lessons.

Jane Hunt,who teaches in the Wimbledon area says she will be reducing her teaching hours to make time for cleaning the car between pupils and may make lessons longer to reduce the number of people in the vehicle each day.

She is also scrapping late cancellation charges to encourage pupils to be honest if they don’t feel well or should be isolating.

“I know it’s going to impact on my business but it’s going to be about trusting each other. We will work together with our pupils in the interest of safety.

A spokesman for the DVSA said its priority was to “stop the spread of coronavirus and keep everyone safe”.

“We will continue to work closely with driving instructor associations on how and when we can resume driving tests and lessons.”

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May 1, 2020
NASP guidance for training critical workers

The three joint associations of NASP have put together some guidance if you have customers who are granted a critical worker practical test with the DVSA.

We have already published the operating procedures that volunteer DVSA examiners will use when conducting a test and have reiterated some of those in the document. This list is not exhaustive, however it hopefully covers all you will need to consider before taking on any critical worker training before a test.

The three joint associations of NASP have put together some advised guidance if you have customers who are granted a Critical Worker practical test with the DVSA.
Firstly, you should appreciate that all Critical Workers will not necessarily be granted a critical worker test and we would advise that you do not give training until your customer actually has a practical test confirmed by DVSA, those are at the ,moment only being given to front line NHS, Police & Fire Service personnel, that may change as time goes on and we will keep you updated.
We have already published the operating procedures that volunteer DVSA examiners will use when conducting a test and have reiterated some of those below, this list is not exhaustive, however hopefully covers all you will need to consider before taking on any Critical Worker training before a test.
• Make sure your customer has checked with DVSA at: critical.worker.driving.test@dvsa.gov.uk to ensure they will be granted a practical test. • Check with pupils before each lesson to ensure they have not been exposed, or are experiencing symptoms which could be related to Covid 19, or have travelled recently from a region severely impacted • You should note, that any test booked will be carried out with a volunteer examiner as they will have to break the social distancing rules and check where the test is actually booked, do not assume it will be at the customers usual test centre • We would suggest you wear suitable safe clothing when giving lessons/training, the examiner has been advised to wear long sleeves and full-length trousers. • Your customer will be asked on arrival at the test centre to wash their hands before the test will start, please advise your customer not to shake hands with their examiner • In these unusual times, you should consider wearing gloves and the examiner will, however you should be aware that some people are allergic to latex based materials, always ask first • If you or your customer present for the test with any clear symptoms, excessive coughing, high temperature etc, the examiner will refuse the test and another test will be rebooked. If during the test, any of these symptoms present themselves, the examiner will terminate the test • All the normal procedure will be carried out on the test as it normally would following the DT1 guidance • You will not be invited to travel in the back of the test or be involved in the debrief at the end.

• You should ensure your customer, that everything the examiner uses before, during and at the end of the test has been thoroughly cleaned and will be before each test • We would advise you to continue with the earlier guidance we gave regarding using antibacterial hand gel and wipes to ensure you keep clean all areas, you or your customer touch. • During the test, the examiner may ask you to take off any roof board you may have, this is simply to avoid abuse from other members of the public. The examiner will supply a pair of L plates if you don’t have any, preferably marked with NHS above the L

A key worker trainer voluntary register will shortly be available providing certification for driver and rider trainers to be able to display whilst training, as well as allowing members of the public, police etc to check with the register than the trainer is indeed carrying out essential training. Trainers applying for certification will have to complete a short online course and theory test on safe training protocols, designed to mitigate the risk of contracting or spreading COVID-19, as well as provide evidence they are training key workers.
We hope this gives you some useful advice, please Stay Safe

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April 8, 2020
Learner driver given £800 fine for going for lesson with mum during lockdown

A teenager has been slapped with a $1,600 fine – about £800 – after going out for a driving lesson with her mum during the coronavirus lockdown. Hunter Reynolds and her mother Sharee were pulled over by a police officer in Victoria, Australia at the weekend

The 17-year-old student was given the on-the-spot fine for breaching the “stage-three coronavirus restrictions” in place across the country. Under the restrictions, people should only be out driving to buy food or other necessary goods, to attend work or education, for an emergency or to provide care.

Victoria Police Deputy Commissioner Shane Patton says driving lessons do not count as education under the Covid-19 restrictions set by Chief Health Officer Brett Sutton. He said: “This isn’t driving around the corner, it was driving 40 minutes from Hampton down to the Peninsula Link.

“It’s quite possible it will be withdrawn because the public is now aware they can’t be doing that activity, unless of course it’s mixed in with driving to the shops where you are exempt to go and buy food.”

Victorian Police Minister Lisa Neville said people should not go looking for loopholes in the restrictions to avoid fines.

More than 100 fines were issued from nearly 1,000 spot checks in the 24 hours to 8am on Monday.

Hunter said she did not initially understand what they had done wrong as the learner plates were correctly displayed, she was observing the speed limit and they were not stopping anywhere.

“That’s not exempt and it’s not lawful to occur.

“Are we able to send a message to the public without having to fine in this circumstance? The fact it’s been raised has given actual clarity of the circumstance.

“(The police officer) said it was because of unnecessary travel,” Hunter told Seven news in Australia.

“I’ve been following all the Covid-19 guidelines – so I thought – I haven’t been seeing anyone or anything, so I was really surprised.”

Australia has more than 5,700 confirmed coronavirus cases, and its death toll rose to 40 on Monday after five additional deaths were recorded overnight.

 

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April 6, 2020
Never Pay by Bank Transfer For Lessons, Find Out Why…

Kate Danby’s 19-year-old daughter Brook Mather learnt the hard way how ruthless the market can be. She booked a course of lessons with Drive Dynamics and was asked to pay by bank transfer.

The lessons never materialized and nor did a refund. Her bank couldn’t reclaim the money as it wasn’t a credit or debit card transaction.

“She was thrilled at the prospect of passing her driving test and in excitement, she didn’t research how long the company had been established,” says Kate. “She had saved hard for the money and was proud that she had organized her lessons and test herself, so the loss has left her devastated.”

Emily at Britannia Driving School Says: “be suspicious if you are asked to prepay for your lessons by bank transfer rather than a card, because if your lessons don’t materialize you will not be able to reclaim your money from the instructor’s bank. Also make sure when you get a quote for lessons that it’s for one hour lessons and not just 45 minutes.”

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March 30, 2020
Can i drive my car during lockdown?

There are no rules that ban anyone from driving their car during the lockdown period, Boris Johnson announced a very specific number of reasons people should leave their homes on Monday 23rd March 2020.As long as people are only driving for one of these four reasons, they’re allowed to be on the roads.

Shopping for basic necessities, as infrequently as possible, one form of exercise a day including a run,walk or cycle, this can be alone or with other members of your family, any medical need, providing help or care for a vulnerable person, travelling to and from work but this should be only be where this cannot be done at home.

“You should not be going shopping except for essentials like food and medicine – and you should do this as little as you can. And use food delivery services where you can. If you don’t follow the rules the police will have the powers to enforce them, including through fines and dispersing gatherings.

Is Boris Johnson closing roads and motorways?

There are no plans to close roads or motorways just yet. These new measures to keep people in their homes for at least 3 weeks will hopefully lad to a drop in the number of coronavirus cases and deaths in the UK, In three weeks time the prime minster will hope to ease some of the measures rather than adding further restrictions.

What about public transport?

Public transport remains open to help key workers such as doctors and nurses but parts of this could be closed as well, in London commuters are struggling with the underground service being reduce, thus meaning the remaining carriages are even busier.

Can I drive to perform exercise in other locations?

Many people, particularly in crowded cities, have been keen to drive elsewhere to perform their daily piece of exercise in more isolated locations. The government measures only state the reasons for which people are allowed to leave their homes and do not place any official restrictions on when and where people can perform exercise However, certain police forces have stated that you should not be driving to another location to perform exercise and North Yorkshire Police have been manning checkpoints and stopping vehicles to ask where drivers are going.

Derbyshire Police were heavily criticised after posting a video on Twitter with drone footage from the Peak District, in which they criticised a couple out walking their dog.

How long will this lockdown last?

Johnson announced that these measures are in place for three weeks and they will be reviewed afterwards. The length of the lockdown will depend on how the UK responds to the measures. if coronavirus cases and deaths drop, the lockdown measures could be lifted when next reviewed.

 

 

 

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