BT and DSA fail thousands of learner drivers

UPDATE: 5/4/10 – FirstTimeDriver just heard from the DSA that the bookings service is now working again.

BT & DSA FAIL THOUSANDS OF LEARNER DRIVERS

Learner drivers trying to book a Driving Theory or Driving Practical test are being frustrated by a major failure of the Driving Standards Agency (DSA) online and telephone booking system. The breakdown, caused by a major electrical fire at the BT Paddington office has left the DSA unable to process payments.

A DSA automated telephone message is telling would be applicants to call back next week.

This breakdown affecting thousands of learner and is likely to further to add to the disruption and test backlog caused by the bad weather and Driving Examiner strike.

The breakdown was reported to FirstTimeDriver.info, the independent for learner drivers, by would be driving test applicant Ben Whitewood.

Ben said:

“I have just passed my theory test today and rushed straight home to book my driving practical test only to find that I can’t because of a breakdown. I should have been told this at that the tests centre. The waiting list is already weeks long and now I am going to have to check several a time each day until it is back live.

A message on the DSA Test booking web site says that the Driving Test booking system will be down from 5pm tonight. There have been no announcements on the DSA Twitter @DSAGOVUK

FirstTimeDriver.info is monitoring the situation and will update its Twitter followers @1stTimedriver, Facebook and anyone on their email mailing list.

DSA’s information can be found at www.direct.gov.uk/Motoring.

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