LEARNER drivers across the North East have being left frustrated after the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) test website went down this morning - leaving thousands of people unable to book on one of the usual testing slots. 

Despite many prospective learner drivers trying the system this morning, they were greeted with a warning message - stating that their request was blocked by 'security rules'. 

The DVSA are yet to make an official comment about the issue, and it's unknown how long the testing website will be down for.

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This issue from the government agency comes after it suggested that learner drivers who fail their driving test could have to wait 28 days to rebook an exam to make them “think twice” about attempting it unprepared.

The agency said that extending the period from ten days could help cut down the three-and-a-half-month waiting list, and hopes the plans will also reduce the failure rate – 53 per cent over the last five years – and free up test slots for drivers who are better prepared to take the exam.

The measure is part of a battery of proposals put forward for a consultation launched on Tuesday. The DVSA is also proposing extending the notice period, during which a cancelled test will result in a lost fee, from three to ten days.

The Northern Echo has asked the DVSA for comment. 

More to follow. 

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