DRIVING test organisers have been swamped by calls from learner drivers trying to book in ahead of a new style test which starts on May 4.

The new practical driving test, administered by the Driving Standards Agency (DSA), is to be introduced to improve road safety awareness amongst new drivers.

Ten people die on Britain's roads every day and new drivers are twice as likely to have accidents than more experienced drivers, according to agency figures.

Difficulty

Booking offices have faced difficulty in coping with the sudden rush of calls from learners who are keen to take the existing test.

In addition, a new booking system, introduced on March 8, has had teething troubles which means customers have experienced problems getting through.

Customers have also been using the re-dial facility on their phones which has meant the agency now receives 300,000 calls a day instead of the projected 30,000.

In an attempt to restore the booking service back to normal, the agency has set up temporary customer service centres in Nottingham, Edinburgh and London.

DSA Operation Manager Jim Sweeney said as a result the service would be back to normal as soon as possible.

He said: "DSA would like to apologise for any difficulties customers may be experiencing but with the measures adopted we expect a continual improvement in the service over the next couple of weeks, and anticipate a return to normal soon."

Customers are urged to try the telephone system, fax the application to 0870 01 02 372 or post it to: DSA, PO BOX 280, Newcastle-upon-Tyne. Test centres are fully booked until May 4.

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