New exam for pre-learner drivers on way

Young drivers may soon have to take a new qualification before they can even get behind the wheel.

It's the latest part of the Government's national 'Learning to Drive' consultation, which is being handled by the Government's Driving Standards Agency (DSA).

Today, the DSA met with police officers, road safety experts and educationalists at the Scottish Qualifications Authority's (SQA) headquarters in Glasgow.

The DSA brought in the SQA because of its expertise in implementing educational material for young people aged between 14-16, and now a driver pre-qualification is almost a reality.

The Government it hoping the first elements will be launched in Scotland by the end of this year, and then in schools, colleges and youth training and apprenticeship colleges in the rest of the country.

From the 'Learning to Drive' consultation, the DSA is hoping to put forward new guidelines to reform the UK driving test.

Chinese fuel rise makes oil prices dip

Oil prices have taken a dip at last after the Chinese government decided to raise the price of petrol and diesel by 18%.

China is the world's second-largest consumer of oil - its fast-growing economy and increasing demand for fuel had been one of the contributory factors in the recent hikes in oil prices.

Following the announcement, US crude oil prices fell by£4.02 to $132 (£67). However, it will be some considerable time before the benefits, if any, of the crude oil dip filter down to consumers in this country.

Petrol and diesel prices in this country are expected to rise further. Petrol is currently at an average of 118.4p for unleaded and 131.8p for diesel.

Seat calls family car 'Exeo'

Seat's all new family car will be called the Exeo and will go on sale here next year.

The car is based on the outgoing Audi A4 chassis and will be available as a saloon and estate.

The Ford-Mondeo rival ditches Seat's current trend of naming its cars after places in Spain – think Ibiza, Leon, Altea and Toledo.

Exeo comes from the Latin 'exire', which means 'to go beyond' or 'to go further', says Seat.

According to Wikipedia, however, it means 'avoid'.

When we get our hands on the car, we'll let you know which translation is the more accurate.

Exciting New Developments

In the 2 weeks we will be relaunching the Leasing Quote portal. Not only will the quotation process be quicker, simpliers and more informative we will offer more car information.

Currently we do not offer an car make or model information .... that is changing. You will be able to use Leasing Quote as a research tool, as we will provide car specification details, pricing and alot more.

Keep checking the site ....

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World's first air-powered car

The world's first air-powered car could be on sale by the end of this year.

The French-designed engine is powered by compressed air. It has a range of 125 miles on a £1 charge, and a top speed of 67mph.

It is being put into a fibreglass-bodied car called the Mini-CAT or City Cat by Tata Motors company, and will be sold in India and around Europe later this year.

As there is no combustion, there are no emissions. In addition, the exhaust is cool enough to be used for the car's air-conditioning system.

However, it is currently unclear what crash test regulations the car has been built to.

Tata Motors has a history of building vehicles powered by gases: it has been selling compressed gas-powered buses since 2000.