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.

Mini Countryman (2010): first official pictures

This is the Mini Countryman, the fourth addition to Mini’s range – after the regular three-door hatch, the Convertible and the Clubman – and also the first current-generation Mini to have four-wheel drive and four regular passenger doors. No, Mini says the Countryman is a crossover, and the four-wheel drive system – called Mini All4 – is an option. Think of the Countryman as a slightly bigger and more practical Clubman with a longer wheelbase than other Minis, four proper doors and a conventional lift-up rear hatch, but to make sure it looks a bit more butch Mini has given the Countryman a bigger, bluffer nose than its siblings.

GM recalls 2013 Cadillac SRX, Buick LaCrosse for software fix

General Motors is recalling about 26,500 copies of the 2013 Buick LaCrosse sedan and Cadillac SRX crossover for a software problem that could cause the automatic transmission to shift out of manual mode. The affected vehicles are equipped with the Driver Shift Control feature, which allows the driver to shift the automatic transmission similar to a manual transmission. GM said in a report filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration that the software problem may cause the transmission to shift unexpectedly from manual mode back to the automatic transmission, which removes any transmission-related engine braking.