Foreign language theory test scrapped

FROM TODAY the driving test in the UK must be taken in English or Welsh, after long-standing rules permitting foreign language speakers to sit the test were removed. Theory tests have previously been available with voiceovers in 19 foreign languages and candidates could use an interpreter on both the theory and practical driving tests. But changes that come into effect today were introduced after a consultation showed more than 70% supported the withdrawal of foreign language voiceovers and interpreters.

BMW M1 Hommage concept (2008): first official pictures

By Tim Pollard First Official Pictures 27 April 2008 12:47 The new BMW M1 Hommage was a surprise debutant at the Concorso d’Eleganza 2008 di Villa d’Este this weekend. No prizes for guessing what it is: this is an official concept car to mark the 30th anniversary of the original M1 supercar. The Hommage is a clever reinterpretation of the 1978 coupe, bristling with echoes of the original.

Maserati GranTurismo S Auto gets a Sports Pack

Maserati GranTurismo S Auto - now with Sport Pack for an extra £4k The Maserati GranTurismo S Auto is Maserati’s best-selling car in the UK, and you can see why. It’s good looking in that slightly odd combination of butch and dainty that certain Italian cars manage so well, it’s performance is decent without being earth-shattering and – certainly compared to any other Italian you could consider remotely ’Exotic’ – it’s more sensibly priced, at the right side of £100k. But if there are criticisms to be levelled against the GrandTurismo S they perhaps revolve around its slightly ‘soft’ nature.