The DVLA's new online system to check driving licences following the abolition of the paper counterpart crashed on the day of its launch yesterday.

Users of the new View Driving Licence service complained that the system was not working properly yesterday morning, reports Fleet News, quoting the British Vehicle Rental and Leasing Association.

The DVLA says delays are to be expected on the first day of a new system during peak periods of demand.

But Gerry Keaney, chief executive of the BVRLA, said: "Replacing paper forms with digital services is a great idea, but the Government has gone about this the wrong way by rushing the process and not giving enough warning to motorists.

"The online system being offered by the DVLA is far from ideal. Customers can take extra precautions by ensuring that their rental company has access to their endorsement information – available via the DVLA’s Share Driving Licence service or its call centre.”

DVLA chief executive Oliver Morley yesterday told the Independent: "We are currently experiencing exceptionally high demand for this service.

"We are aware some customers are experiencing issues with the website and we are working very hard to resolve this as quickly as possible. We are sorry for any inconvenience."