Trending

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
Flickr

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.

ADVERTISEMENT

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.

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.

ADVERTISEMENT

“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.

Trending

First images of King Charles III on new coins revealed

Danny Jones Danny Jones King Charles coins

The first images of King Charles III‘s likeness on the next 50p coin have been unveiled by the Royal Mint as the nation prepares to transition into a new form of currency.

Revealed on Friday, 30 September, the UK’s official coin maker unveiled the first piece of legal tender. The incoming 50p features Charles’ face in the classic profile position and a new design on the reverse that harks back to the design featured on Queen Elizabeth II‘s 1953 coronation coin.

As you can see, the new coin includes the four quarters of the Royal Arms depicted within a shield and in between each shield is an emblem of the home nations; a rose, a thistle, a shamrock and a leek.

Credit: Royal Mint

Martin Jennings, Designer of His Majesty King Charles III’s effigy, said in a press release: “It is a privilege to sculpt the first official effigy of His Majesty and to receive his personal approval for the design.

“The portrait was sculpted from a photograph of The King, and was inspired by the iconic effigies that have graced Britain’s coins over the centuries. It is the smallest work I have created, but it is humbling to know it will be seen and held by people around the world for centuries to come.”

Jennings is also responsible for designing the new commemorative £5 coin, customary for marked occasions such as the change over of monarchs.

Credit: Royal Mint

The limited edition £5 coin will form part of a wider memorial coin collection following the passing of Britain’s longest-reigning monarch.

Read more:

It is said that it will take at least two years to fully phase out the Queen’s money and transition to the new King Charles notes and coins.

There is an estimated £4.5 billion worth of existing currency – approximately 27 billion coins of various denominations alone – thought to be in circulation, not to mention things like stamps, meaning that we will likely have to get used to carrying both old and new coins.

This isn’t the only significant change Britons can expect either, as earlier this week the Royal Family revealed the new King’s new cypher which will replace the Queen’s ‘EIIR’ seal across the UK, such as on the gates of Buckingham Palace and on postboxes.

For all the latest news, events and goings on in Greater Manchester, subscribe to The Manc newsletter HERE.

Featured Image — Royal Mint

Trending

‘Loyal’ Cheshire Police dog scoops prestigious crime fighting award

Emily Sergeant Emily Sergeant

A Cheshire police dog and his handler scooped a coveted crime fighting prize at a prestigious awards ceremony last week.

PC Chris McDonough, 31, and his three-year-old companion Police Dog Toro have formed an incredible partnership over the last two years they have worked together at the Alliance Policing dog section for Cheshire and North Wales, and to prove just what a brilliant team they are, the duo have received national recognition for their commitment to the job at the second annual Thin Blue Paw Awards.

The pair won the ‘Crime Fighting Duo Award’ at a glittering presentation ceremony held at Knebworth Park last Thursday.

The popular Crime Fighting Duo Award award celebrates a serving police dog and handler team who are constantly achieving outstanding operational results.

The pair were nominated for the award by Chief Inspector Simon Newell for their excellent achievements over the last year – which have included finding missing people, runaway suspects, and stolen property, and for making more than 20 arrests.

They also supported the firearms section in major call-outs, and kept world leaders safe at the 2021 G7 Summit in Cornwall.

Read more:

“When I found out that we were getting the award, it was really humbling and overwhelming,” PC Chris McDonough said on receiving the award.

“For once, I was speechless.

“It’s nice to just get nominated for an award and to have a little bit of recognition for the work that PD Toro and I are doing, so to find out that we had actually won was great – I was made up.”

Chief Inspector Newall added of the duo’s award-winning success: “The road to becoming a dog handler and getting your own crime fighting canine is an arduous one which takes dedication and skill.

“PC Chris McDonough and PD Toro have done us proud, and their exploits highlight what the team are doing to keep residents in Cheshire and North Wales safe, often in difficult and sometimes dangerous circumstances.

“This award recognises PC McDonough’s handling abilities and tenacious PD Toro’s fantastic loyalty.

“Their partnership has gone from strength to strength, and they are now a formidable crime fighting duo with an incredible ‘rap sheet’.”

Featured Image – Cheshire Police

More Trending

Coolio student house gig Preston

Audio

Remembering the time Coolio performed an acoustic set in a northern student house

No trains from London for Manchester derby

Sport

Football fans slam rail services after complaints of no derby day trains from London to Manchester

Trending

Experts are urging people to submit electricity readings now before energy cap rise

Audio

Clint Boon takes us around Manchester's iconic Deaf Institute

Eats

We go meatballs deep with Mira's traditional Neapolitan sandwiches