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Learner drivers’ frustration as DVSA website crashes leaving thousands in queue to book test

The DVSA website was promptly taken offline after reopening due to "unprecedented demand".

The Manc The Manc - 26th August 2020
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Learner drivers across the UK have been taking to social media to express frustration at excessive queue numbers after the DVSA website crashes again.

Those looking to book a date for a practical driving test have reported experiencing several issues with the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) website after the online booking system first reopened on 21st August following the cancellation of tests during the coronavirus (COVID-19) lockdown.

The website was then promptly taken offline after reopening due to “unprecedented demand”.

It’s now believed that the website went down again this morning just a minute after it reopened and in some prior cases, angry hopeful drivers were “sat waiting for hours” to book their practical driving exam.

Others have reported logging on to the site on right on the reopening time, only to be faced with virtual queues of more than 20,000 people.

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Some have complained of being kicked out the queue and having to start again, as well as being redirected to the start when they finally get through to choose which test they want to book.

In response to the delays to test bookings caused by website technical difficulties, the DVSA tweeted that: “Driving test booking service update – For those who have experienced a problem with getting into the booking system, please try again.

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“You should now be able to get into the booking system queue.

“Sorry for any inconvenience.”

They said earlier this morning that they had 35,675 tests available over the next six weeks, and you can find out more via the DVSA website here.

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McDonald’s announces 2024 Christmas menu with new Cheesy McCrispy, Terry’s Chocolate Orange Pie, and more

Emily Sergeant Emily Sergeant

McDonald’s has unveiled its Christmas menu for 2024, and there’s lots of festive feasting to get stuck into.

It’s been a long time coming, but after several chains and fast food joints have already announced and launched their festive food and drink offerings for 2024 over the last few weeks, McDonald’s has finally joined the Christmas party, and there’s a bunch of new and returning fan favourites on the lineup to get those mouths watering.

We’re talking Cheese Melt Dippers, seasonal McFlurrys, limited-edition festive pies, and a cheesy twist on one of the chain’s most popular burgers.

New to the menu this year is the Cheesy McCrispy, which is a “levelled up” version of the McCripsy we all know and love, taking the classic crispy chicken fillet and all the trimmings, and combining it with two slices of cheese, and lashings of rich cheese sauce.

McDonald’s has unveiled is Christmas menu for 2024 / Credit: McDonalds UK

Other burgers on the lineup are the grand return of the Big Tasty and Big Tasty with Bacon, both made with a 100% beef patty, Emmental cheese, onions, juicy tomatoes, and topped off with a unique smoky-flavoured sauce nested in a freshly-toasted bun. 

Also being thrown back into the mix this year are the Cheese Melt Dippers, which are the perfect festive feast accompaniment made with camembert and served with a rich tomato dip.

Happy Meals will also be taking on a special Grinch theme this year too.

Got yourself a bit of sweet tooth though? There’s two new tasty treats to choose from this year, alongside the return of the beloved Galaxy Caramel McFlurry.

There’s a bunch of new and returning fan favourites on the lineup / Credit: Visual Karsa (via Unsplash)

If Galaxy Caramel isn’t your thing, then perhaps chocolate orange will be instead, as 2024 brings the introduction of the Terry’s Chocolate Orange McFlurry, with Terry’s Chocolate Orange mini segments and chocolate orange sauce swirled into the ice cream, and then there’s the Terry’s Chocolate Orange Pie.

This year, McDonald’s has combined its classic pie with everyone’s favourite zesty chocolate to create a crispy chocolate pastry filled with a Terry’s Chocolate Orange-flavoured ganache.

On the hot drinks front, you have a Galaxy Caramel Latte and a Galaxy Caramel Hot Chocolate to choose from.

Read more:

The full McDonald’s 2024 Festive Menu will be available to tuck into from 20 November, and is expected to stick around until the new year.

Featured Image – McDonald’s UK

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Asda relaunches over 60s ‘winter warmer’ cafe deal with soup and unlimited hot drinks for £1

Emily Sergeant Emily Sergeant

Asda is bringing back its popular £1 ‘winter warmer’ cafe meal deal to support the over 60s during the colder months.

After it was sadly revealed that almost one in five elderly people claimed there were days when they didn’t speak to a single soul last Christmas, and that during the run up to the big day, 15% said they got used to not conversing with other people, Asda has decided to relaunch one of its most widely-praised cafe meal deals again this year.

To support those who need it most as the temperatures drop, the supermarket is, once again, offering all over 60s the chance to enjoy some hearty soup, a bread roll, and unlimited tea and coffees for just £1 in any of its cafes across the UK.

Back by popular demand, this year’s Winter Warmer initiative is bigger and better than ever, with three soup flavours to choose from.

With the offer now running until the end of 2024, Asda is aiming to transform its in store dining spaces into ‘Chatty Cafes’ – where senior citizens can come together under one roof, eat and drink, and make some new friends.

As well as its ‘Chatty Cafe’ offer, Asda colleagues will be also be donning ‘Happy to Chat’ badges throughout the festive season, checking in on older customers in store and when delivering home shopping orders, while the Asda Foundation will deliver £600k worth of grants to tackle loneliness amongst the elderly by boosting activities in the local communities, and funding Christmas celebrations.

Asda has relaunched its over 60s ‘winter warmer’ cafe deal with soup and unlimited hot drinks for £1 / Credit: Asda

“Christmas is a time to enjoy time with loved ones,” explained David Hills, who is the Chief Customer Officer at Asda, “and the fact one in 10 of our older generation is facing Christmas alone is genuinely sobering.

“That’s why we’re proud to invest almost £1 million through our in-store initiatives and grants to do what we can to tackle loneliness and isolation in the communities we serve.

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“Our teams do incredible work to support communities all year round, and I’m so proud to be able to launch the Chatty Cafés initiative today, alongside our renowned Winter Warmers deal, which we know is a lifeline to many.”

Featured Image – Asda

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