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The DVSA claims that when the new allocation is available “almost everyone” should be accepted to sit their driving test. The new service is set to open on the 14 September and will allow motorists time to book exams scheduled 18 weeks in advance.
A social media statement from the DVSA said: “From Monday 14 September we’re making 375,000 more appointments available till the end of January 2021.
“When we do this almost everyone should be able to book a test.”
Under the current system, drivers can only book exams for the next six week period which has led to unprecedented levels of demand.
A limited number of tests became available on site this morning but were taken within hours.
However, the agency revealed that over 17,000 extra tests had already been booked since the service opened at 8am this morning.
The DVSA confirmed they had closed the booking service until the next round of limited tests become available from 7 September.
After this motorists will end to wait for the service to be extended for wider booking from the middle of September.
The latest developments come after the DVSA’s online bookings service crashed on the first day availability opened as thousands of youngsters frantically dashed to secure exams.
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The AA has welcomed the changes after what they called a “merry-go-round” of failed attempts for young people.
Sarah Rees, Managing Director of the AA Driving School has also pushed for the government to extend theory test certificates.
The government has previously confirmed that theory tests would not be extended meaning those whose certificate has expired in lockdown will need to be retested.
This has led to heartache among many young people who will need to splash out on extra costs.
“It’s great to hear the DVSA will be making 375,000 tests available to book from September 14th until the end of January, even if it serves as confirmation that some learners who are test-ready will now have to wait until next year to take their test.
“Coronavirus has placed many services under extreme pressure and we do understand the difficulties the DVSA has faced in re-opening test centres and then dealing with an enormous backlog of driving tests with fewer examiners available than usual.
“But, for many learners, the last few weeks have been a merry-go-round of failed attempts to book a test and hours waiting in an online queue that goes nowhere.
“There is an additional cohort of learners, whose theory test certificates either expired during lockdown or in the time since, who will now have to pay to re-take their theory test before they can even attempt to book a practical test.
“We think it would be sensible of the government to extend theory test certificates immediately to reduce this burden on learners.”
The DVSA has urged learner drivers to ensure they are test ready when booking their driving exam.
They reveal that on average fewer than 50 percent of students pass their driving tests.
They warn that there could be considerably long waiting times before you can get retested meaning learners should only book when they are confident of passing.
The DVSA says drivers should spend time practising on a variety of different roads in various conditions before considering booking an exam.
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