Congratulations to Glenn for passing his test today with an incredible 1 minor!  He so nearly had a perfect score, if it wasn't for a speeding merc on his reverse parking exercise he would have done.  Welll done, see you on the streets.

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Congratulations to Abdal for passing his taxi test yesterday with only 3 minors over in Brislington.  Well done.

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Not sure what is going on here, but the road gets significantly narrower near the pedestrian crossing by Tescos.  The road works are on a little bend, which makes it harder to pick up.  The map below shows Kellaway Road to be straight, it isn't when you're driving on it, be careful and slow on approach.



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The Department of Motor Vehicles in California, USA is considering the introduction of advanced new digital car number plates. A variety of uses is proposed, including hosting advertising to raise money for the state's coffers.

Smart Plate, a company based in San Francisco, has developed the new technology. The number plates show the car's registration as usual, but have the ability to display customised messages and advertisements.

It is being proposed that the state of California sel...

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What appear to be official images of a future all-electric Mercedes-Benz supercar have swept the internet, causing a stir amongst car enthusiasts and speculation on the abilities of the new machine.

The E-Cell is based on the SLS AMG supercar launched at the end of 2009. However, in place of a V8 petrol engine there's a series of batteries and four electric motors.

Spinning to 12,000rpm, the motors are thought to produce almost as much power as the 563bhp petrol engine, though substant...

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The Driving Standards Agency (DSA) has published a video on its YouTube channel which explains how to sign up, free of charge, for DSA Direct email alerts.

·         watch the video on YouTube

DSA is encouraging learner drivers and driver trainers to sign up for the service. It will help them to stay up to date with information about learning to drive and ride, the driving test, and road safety.

If you run your own website for learner drivers and riders, or driver trainer...

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Chancellor George Osborne delivered his first Budget, introducing it as "tough but fair", with increased living costs likely for most of the population. At first glance it appears that motorists will pay dearly, thanks to a significant hike in the VAT rate.

The standout announcement in the Budget was a change in the VAT rate from 17.5- to 20 percent. This takes effect from 4 January 2011 and will up the cost of everyday items for all. The 2.5 percent increase will have a marked effect...

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The July issue of Despatch is on its way to you. As you've signed up to DSA Direct you can also view a copy online right now.

Despatch - July 2010

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It’s celebration time this month as we mark the British driving test’s 75th anniversary.

Since a Mr J Beene took the first ever driving test in 1935, over 94 million tests have been conducted in Great Britain, playing a vital role in making the country’s roads a far safer place.

In the...

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From now, you’ll need to provide a contact email address when you book or change your practical test online to receive your booking confirmation.

Booking confirmations for tests will no longer be posted out to you.

If you’re an approved driving instructor (ADI) and are booking a test on behalf of your customer, you’ll need to consider which email address you’d like the confirmation to go to.

No need to bring appointment confirmation

You’re no longer required to bri...

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Congratulations to Dave for passing first time today with 4 minors over at Southmead!  Well done Dave.

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You may remember that MINI sent out a cheeky invite to Porsche, challenging the sports car maker to a race to establish who has the quicker car (read the original story here). Well Porsche politely declined, but MINI went ahead and organised a race anyway on its own terms.

Before Porsche turned down the invite for a second time, MINI released another video taunting the company's president, Detlev von Platen, and then flew a private airplane over Porsche's US headquarters towing a bann...

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Remember the days when cars were basic? It wasn't so long ago that a CD player, power steering and electric windows were on the options list of most hatchbacks - now buyers would baulk at the prospect of any car without them.

The big trend right now is small cars loaded with big car features, as cash-strapped motorists aim to downsize and save on running costs while maintaining the specced-up big-car experience. That means it's not uncommon to find a Ford Fiesta-sized hatchback with o...

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There are plenty of legal protections in place to prevent people being ripped off when buying a used car from a dealer. Unfortunately, buy a dodgy used car from a private seller and you're probably stuck with it.

It's a minefield. The vast, vast majority of car sellers, and their cars, are perfectly legitimate - and that 'new job forces sale' story may well be genuine - but it's easy to get caught out.

According to Vanessa Guyll, Technical Specialist at the AA, emotional involvement ...

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This groovy looking Jaguar E-Type is one of the most famous and recognisable movie cars of recent years - and now you could own it.

Currently listed on eBay as '1970 Austin Powers Shaguar - New Line Cinema Creation', the car has a 'buy it now' price of $59,900 (£40,400).

The car was used for promotional duties for the original 1999 Austin Powers comedy, International Man of Mystery, starring Mike Myers.

Over 400 hours was spent hand painting the Union Jack exterior alone, and the in...

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Porsche is understood to be developing a new 928 coupé - and may have accidentally leaked a 928 image onto the internet.

The website for Porsche Consulting, a separate division of the carmaker, shows a sketch of a new coupé. The leaked Porsche image shows a two-door car with a striking resemblance to the Panamera.

A new Porsche 928 replacement has been on the cards since the company discontinued the model in 1995.

The original 1977 928 was a front-engined, four-seat coupé that was ...

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An amazing bridge that links Hong Kong to China and allows drivers to switch to the opposite side of the road while in transit has been unveiled.

Called the Pearl River Necklace, it was designed by Dutch architects NL. Hong Kong is one of the few countries where cars drive on the left hand side of the road, the legacy of British rule.

The bridge uses a loop to direct traffic to the opposite side of the road between the two countries. The road splits in two, and one carriageway swoops...

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Local councils will find it more difficult to justify new speed cameras, as the Government halts millions of pounds in funding for them.

It's the first major sign that the new Government is making good on its promise to curb the proliferation of speed cameras in the UK.

The move, which was confirmed to MPs by Transport Minister Mike Penning, does not actually put a stop to new speed traps. It will, however, mean council tax will have to fund speed cameras, forcing officials to justif...

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The US car market is struggling to embrace greener fuels and technologies according to a new report by an automotive data researcher.

JATO Dynamics studied the emissions of American market cars and found that the average CO₂ level is a staggering 269g/km. Europe's five biggest markets average 140g/km by comparison, and Japan just 130g/km - less than half that of the US.

Europe's average emissions have seen the single biggest yearly drop of the three, with a 4g/km reduction compared t...

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Congratulations to Lisa on passing her test today at Southmead Test Centre with just 5 minors.  Well done!

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Lots of road works at the moment in and around Bristol.  The latest busy road to get some treatment is Passage Road, very close to the test centre.  Be on the look out for the signs and beware that this road actualy has two lanes!



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Renault has announced pricing and specifications for the flagship Clio, the Gordini 200.

Available to order now, this top end version of the Renaultsport Clio 200 hot hatch costs £19,650. Only 500 will come to the UK.

For that sum, buyers get a special blue paint job with white racing stripes, an F1-style 'blade' incorporated into the front bumper, white wing mirrors and a unique set of 17-inch alloy wheels.

Inside there are Gordini branded sports seats as well as blue detailing on t...

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When it comes to the price of fuel, you’re actually better off if you live up North!

Let’s face it, there’s always been a bit of friendly rivalry between the north and south of England, with each region believing it’s better than the other. But now it seems that the divide has been taken one step further – in the form of petrol prices.

In fact, according to research from the AA, if you live in the north you’re far likely to get a better deal on your fuel than if you live in ...

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Possibly the rarest and most exotic supercar of the 1970s will star at this year's Salon Privé - the Panther 6.

The hypercar was absolutely shocking when it first came to light in 1977, featuring an 8.2-litre twin-turbo engine and, incredibly, six wheels.

Only two were ever made - one white, the other black. It's the white version that sees the light of day at the Salon Privé, the yearly exotic car show at London's Hurlingham club.

The 600bhp Panther has a claimed top speed of over 2...

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A surprising picture showing two open-top Tata Nanos could mean the car is set to become the world's cheapest convertible.

The car was pictured ferrying visitors around Tata's Sasand factory in India, and was published on Indian car blog wheelosphere.org.

The Nano launched in April 2009 with a 100,000-rupee price - around £1,400. Interest was so high that Tata ran a lottery to allot cars to buyers.

It will eventually come to the UK, probably by 2012. The European specification model w...

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Those who want the ultimate convertible Mercedes have had their wish granted, courtesy of German tuner TC-Concepts.

The Mercedes SL65 AMG Black Series is a car so focussed on performance that AMG replaced its heavy folding roof with a lighter, fixed lid. The downside is that owners can no longer experience the open-top cruising that the SL does so well.

TC-Concepts has modified the Merc to offer the best of both worlds. It takes a 'standard' SL65 AMG, adds a full Black Series body kit...

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Citroen's Goodwood Festival of Speed line-up is its hottest yet, with the futuristic Survolt concept leading the charge. It's a UK debut for the electric supercar.

Citroen says the Survolt is 'a bold and radical vision for the future of ecologically sensitive, high-performance vehicles.'

Debuted at the Geneva Motor Show, the all-electric Survolt is the latest in a line of highly intricate, hugely flamboyant and eco-minded concepts by Citroen.

It will not make production, sadly, thoug...

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New research by the Health Protection Agency (HPA) suggests that water from windscreen washer jets could be the cause of one in five cases of Legionnaires' Disease.

The illness is caught when stagnant warm water containing the Legionella bacteria is sprayed and inhaled. It can lead to pneumonia and is sometimes fatal.

It was found that those who drive for a living are five times more likely to catch Legionnaires' Disease. The HPA believes that drivers who fill the washer reservoir of...

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Kia has recalled 468 cee'd and 6,585 Picanto models in the UK after identifying safety issues.

The cee'd recall relates to a brake problem on cars equipped with ESP (Electronic Stability Programme). According to Kia, affected cars could 'suffer insufficient brake force,' although the company is keen to stress there have been no reported incidents in the UK.

Potential fuel leak issues have been identified in the Picanto. Kia blames it on the high level of de-icing fluid used during th...

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A lot of roads around the Southmeadf test route area have signs up saying they are about to be resurfaced and make-shift 20mph signs are everywhere.  You only need to go 20 when the road has been resurfaced.  You'll know if it's been resurfaced as it will be covered in loose stones and the chance of skidding is high.

The other danger of re-surfacing is the lack of road markings, be careful your position doesn't waver and get eye contact with other drivers at junctions before going.

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Rapper Sean Combs, aka Diddy, has hit back at widespread criticism after buying his son a $360,000 (£245,000) Maybach limousine as a present for his 16th birthday.

Critics have lambasted the star for the lavishness of the gift during a time of recession, as the car is worth almost twice that of the average American house.

Speaking on US TV news show Nightline to British host Martin Bashir, a vexed Combs said: "I think it's appropriate for me to give my kids whatever I want to give my...

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Congratulations to Corolinna for passing today at Brislington test centre with just 4 minors!

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A 1/18th scale model of the Bugatti Veyron has gone on sale with a whopping £2 million price tag - the ultimate way to pimp your mantelpiece.

It's fashioned from 24-carat gold and platinum, and its grille is a single cut 7.2-carat diamond.

Only three will be made, each taking two months to complete. The model is amazingly intricate, featuring a steering wheel that moves the front wheels, doors that open and a working roof mechanism. It weighs in at seven kilos.

The golden Veyron is ...

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A consortium led by Jaguar has created an XJ luxury saloon that could emit just 50g/km of CO₂ on average.

The 'Limo-Green' XJ is the fruit of two years' work by Jaguar, Lotus, the MIRA research organisation and British supercar maker Caparo. The £4.2m project received funding from the Technology Strategy Board, a Government organisation.

The first working prototype has beaten its initial performance and emissions targets, which were 120g/km of CO₂ and an eight-second 0-62mph sprint....

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The 3 millionth Toyota rolled off the company's UK factory line as it's been announced that the Auris HSD hybrid will be built in Britain.

This is the first Toyota hybrid model to be built in the UK and has been described by the Japanese firm as a “source of great motivation” for the British plant's workforce.

Using petrol-electric hybrid power, the Auris Hybrid achieves 74.3mpg and 89g/km carbon dioxide emissions, which makes it exempt from road tax and the London Congestion Charg...

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The Palatov dp4 is possibly the world's most extreme go-kart, capable of going as fast as your nerves will allow.

The kart, which wouldn't look out of place in Batman's garage, can be powered by a variety of motorcycle engines. Therefore, up to 200bhp is available, making an incredible power-to-weight ratio possible because it tips the scales at less than 360kg - a Lotus Elise weighs around 860kg.

Like a Caterham, the dp4 can be ordered already built or in kit form. Power from the eng...

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A fleet of hydrogen fuel cell cars that emit nothing but water will be trialled by UK drivers from 2012.

The unusual two-seat city car was designed and developed by British company Riversimple. It's lightweight, capable of 50mph and can travel up to 200 miles on a tank of hydrogen, giving it the equivalent of 300mpg economy.

Drivers in the Leicestershire area will be invited to lease the car for around £200 per month. An additional usage cost of around 15p per mile will be added.

The...

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Porsche has snubbed MINI's challenge of a race between a 911 and a Cooper S.

MINI's USA boss, Jim McDowell, sensationally challenged his Porsche counterpart Detlev Von Platen to a Cooper S versus 911 race at the Road Atlanta track in Georgia, US.

MINI even booked the venue for a showdown on July 21 and paid for a full-page advert to publicise the event in the New York Times.

But in an open letter by von Platen, Porsche has rejected the idea of the race, claiming that it: 'doesn't race ...

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A new version of the 'Are you ready?' video for the car practical driving test has been published on DSA's YouTube channel at youtube.com/dsagov. It shows how the test will look from 4 October 2010.

The video includes information about the independent driving section of the test, and confirms that, from 4 October, car test candidates will only have to complete one reversing manoeuvre rather than two. The manoeuvre will be selected at random by the examiner from:

• turning in the roa...

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From 4 October 2010, learner drivers will be tested on independent driving as part of the practical driving test.

During their test, candidates will have to drive for about 10 minutes, either following a series of directions, following traffic signs, or a combination of both.

To help candidates understand where they’re going, the examiner may show them a diagram.

It...

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As boat accessories go, a bespoke supercar is probably the most extravagant. But that's exactly what millionaire buyers of the £17m Strand Craft SC122 will get.

Beating the Bugatti Veyron hands down for exclusivity, the supercar has 880bhp from its twin-turbo V12 engine and a claimed top speed of 234mph. Only six will be built, each capable of hitting 60mph from rest in 3.2 seconds.

Designed by Eduard Gray, the car is so synonymous with the yacht that the company doesn't seem to have...

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When leaving the test centre and turning left, you no longer have to wait at thte lights.  There used to be two lanes here, now it's down to one.  The lights have gone and there is a give way sign.  This will speed things up big time!  Something clever for once has been done to the roads.





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The country's biggest free motor show opened its doors this week in London. The Canary Wharf Motorexpo is playing host to a huge selection of new cars, along with several special activities.
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This month marks 40 years since the introduction of the Range Rover on June 17 1970.

Land Rover's luxury 4x4 was - and still is - one of the most revolutionary cars on the road due to its ability to mix a luxurious driving experience with superb ability off-road.

The original Range Rover, now known as the Classic, remained in production for 25 years. It was replaced by the second generation model, the P38a, in 1994.

The current version arrived in 2001 and spawned the performance orient...

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New EU legislation that came into force yesterday (June 1) could help to cut the cost of servicing and repairs for motorists.

Current EU law states that a car's warranty will not be affected if it is serviced outside the franchised dealer network, as long as approved parts are used and the work is carried out to the manufacturer's specification.

Until now, independent garages had to buy approved parts from car manufacturers, but the new legislation allows parts suppliers to sell their ...

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With Petrol prices at a record high LPG drivers are in pole position  and installers are expecting a busy summer.  For those wanting to save on fuel costs LPG is still the real deal. Unleaded fuel prices have risen from around 88p last year to around 120p this June, equating to a 36% increase in your costs with no evidence that these costs will fall in the long term. Right now petrol prices are dropping a touch but most  experts predict further rises as inevitable.  In these difficult ...

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A survey conducted by the AA has revealed that over three quarters of motorists would back the sale of the UK's motorways and trunk roads to reduce the Government's financial deficit.

However, 82 percent of the 19,000 AA members who took part in the survey would not back the sale if the new owner of the road network instigated toll charging.

The poll also asked participants how they would like to see the UK's budget deficit solved. The most popular choice, at 58 percent, was higher ta...

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Expert Rating:

What is it?

The X3 is BMW's mid-sized off-roader that sits between the well established X5 and the relatively new X1 in the company's 4x4 range. It's been in production, with relatively few tweaks, since 2004 and now it's due for replacement by an all-new version in November.

The new model isn't quite ready for production, so BMW is being a little secretive about the final details. That's why the car you see in the pictures is covered with unusual black and white camouf...

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Independent driving will become part of the practical driving test in Great Britain in October 2010.

It's tasking the candidate to drive for about 10 minutes, either following a series of directions, following traffic signs, or a combination of both.

To help the candidate be clear about where they’re going, the examiner can show them a diagram too.

It doesn't matter if candidates don't remember every direction, or if they go the wrong way - that can happen to the most ...
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Summer time and the living is easy, so how about making your driving just as enjoyable and laid-back with a classic car?

Choose the right car and all your motoring worries will melt away in the sunshine and, if you're not keen on a winter's classic motoring, you'll be able to sell up and maybe even make a profit.

All of our choices can be had for £10,000 or less in tip-top condition.

MGB Roadster

The MGB Roadster is the definition of the ideal summer classic. There's a massive selection...

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The markings infront of the test centre have changed.  The image below shows a little central lane to help those coming into the centre and get out of the way of other cars.  This little central lane was also used to enter the test centre.  Now the road appears wider as the central lane has been wiped away.  So make sure your MSPSL routine is solid here, getting the mirrors in before the position change.  The signal still needs to be delayed, otherwise other road users will think you're headi...
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The UK driving test is to be revamped in an effort to make it more relevant to real world driving situations.

The change, which comes into force in October, is the inclusion of a ten-minute journey that the pupil must make unassisted, known as the 'independent driving' section.

Depending on where the test is taking place, the examiner will tell the learner to either follow signs for a city centre or landmark, or give them a series of directions.

When directions are given, the examine...

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High Street near Kingswood is being dug in two sections and so they have employed a few lollipop men to ease traffic congestion.  When you see the guys with the lollipop, check your mirrors and if they are showing the stop side, slow down and stop well before them.  You must leave enough room for the traffic coming from the other end of the street to flow, don't get in their way.



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Lexus' first foray into the supercar marketplace has been a resounding success with all 500 of its 202mph LFAs selling out.

The success is doubly impressive, as not only does Lexus have no history of producing supercars, but its price tag of £330,000 puts it firmly into Premier League footballers' salary territory.

What's even more surprising is the geographical spread of the sales, with European buyers snapping up around one-third of the LFAs produced. Approximately ten are thought...

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Everyone knows that running a car isn't cheap. On top of the cost of buying the thing, you've got insurance, road tax and fuel costs - all of which seem to be heading skywards.

But critical running costs - like a basic service and an MOT - are often overlooked. An MOT for a car with up to eight passenger seats currently costs £54.85, which isn't a horrendous annual expense in itself.

Passing the test is a different matter though, and if your car is to stay on the road then it needs to...

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The car was serviced yesterday at F1 Autos down on St. Phillips Causeway.  I think this is one of the best garages I've used and fully recommend them to anyone.

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One of the worst sections for traffic in the whole of Bristol is being dug up AGAIN!  This time something is hapening in the centre of the road where there used to be a slip lane for turning off The Bath Raod for School Road.  At the same time there is a change in road layout.  When coming from town, back towards the test centre there used to be 3 lanes.  The bus lane, the centre lane for heading on towards Bath and the right lane for turnig right ontop of the hill towards Hengrove and Knoll....
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This will effect a few test routes and possibly those takig their part 2 PDI test.  Kings Western Road can be tricky enough being so narrow and windey, but today they have put in a 3 way traffic light system.  Be prepared to slow down and meet traffic building up around the tight corners.  Use a hand brake if you stop so you can find the bite and set some gas before you move off again. 

If coming from the national speed limit section of road, make sure you are ready to drop your speed down to...
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Citroen has unveiled its all-new C4. The mid-sized hatchback will lock horns with established family hatchbacks like the Ford Focus and Volkswagen Golf when it arrives in UK showrooms early next year.

The French firm has kept the profile of the outgoing C4 with its familiar curved roof, but the rest of the exterior has been given a thorough makeover.

The outdated lines of the previous car have been replaced with sharp, sculpted bodywork and a front end similar to that of the C5 saloon...

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Briton Mike Conway will be sidelined for at least three months recovering from leg and back injuries sustained in a terrifying crash during the final lap at the Indianapolis 500.

Conway underwent surgery on Sunday to repair fractures to his lower left leg and is expected to undergo another surgical procedure later this week.

The 26-year-old also suffered a compression fracture of one of his thoracic vertebrae and will be fitted with a back brace for three months, Indy Racing Le...

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