CREATE & DRAW YOUR OWN CAR DESIGNS LIKE A PRO!

How to illustrate and design Concept Cars, a new book by Adrian Dewey.
Published by Veloce at £17.99, and containing 200 pictures, this book provides a clear, concise, step-by-step, easy to follow guide to drawing all external components of a car like the professional design studios. Includes 'trade tips' on rendering the images to bring them to life. Showcase illustrations demonstrate in stages and by example how these techniques produce great car art and design.
Covers all drawing materials/methods from pencils to marker pens, airbrushes to computer generated drawings.
The 128-page paperback book is available now from bookshops or from www.veloce.co.uk.

THE BIG MINI EVENT THAT GETS BIGGER EVERY YEAR...

Congratulations to all involved with the Jurassic Coast Classic Minis Mouth2Mouth run last week from Weymouth to Exmouth.
They managed to raise over £1.000 for the RNLI and have a lot of fun at the same time...
On their first run in 2007 six classic minis travelled in convoy from Weymouth to Exmouth.
In 2008 they did the same thing again, but there were 37 of them that time.
In last week's Mouth2Mouth they did it again with 75 classic minis taking part and raised over £1,000 for the RNLI...
...next year, with a little extra push, they should break the 100 classic-minis-in-a-line barrier.

See the photos of the September 20 event at... Mouth2Mouth
Read all about one Mini's adventures on the way at...Dino's Diary



Imagine 100 classic minis on the coast road from Weymouth to Exmouth.
It would certainly be a classic sight.
This run is just such fun. If you have a classic mini close to the Jurassic coast, or will be down in Dorset or Devon on holiday in September 2010,
why not give Jayne Simmons a call on.. 01929 401501 or email.. staffiechat@talktalk.net

Mini related books available from Veloce!

LORDS OF THE RINGROADS

-PRESS RELEASE-

Take a trip back in time to see what life was like on British roads in the 1960s, with this unique book from Veloce Publishing's Those Were The Days … Series. British Lorries of the 1960s by Malcolm Bobbitt is a well-researched historical account, which reveals much about Britain's commercial vehicle and road haulage industries of forty plus years ago.

This book is a highly visual study of British lorries built during the 1960s, and contains 120 colour and black and white images, many contemporary. The photographic content extends to publicity material as well as the preservation scene depicting historic vehicles at work. All the familiar, and less familiar, names are described in great detail and the comprehensive text reveals much about life on the road in 1960s Britain, reminding us all of those marques that were household names at the time and now form a residual memory in the consciousness of many British citizens.

Malcolm Bobbitt has a lifelong interest in motor transport. In addition to contributing to various magazines, he is the author of thirty books, some printed in several languages, with subjects ranging from Bubblecars and Microcars, Motorhomes and British Police Vehicles to marque histories of Citroën, Fiat, Rolls-Royce, Rover and Volkswagen. The author, who is a member of the Guild of Motoring Writers and the Society of Automotive Historians, is acclaimed for his biography of W.O. Bentley and a history of Rolls-Royce to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the firm's tenure at Crewe.
Click here for more info about the book.

TWO MOTORCYCLE GEM'S REVIEWED IN CLASSIC BIKE GUIDE

Great reviews of Veloce motorcycle books appear in the October issue of Classic Bike Guide. While we thank the magazine for their excellent review of Save The Triumph Bonneville! the author would like to point out that the council involved was West Midlands County Council and not Coventry Council as the review states ...

Click image to view full size

Click here for more info about Save the Triumph Bonneville!
Click here for more info about Motorcycle Apprentice.

REVIEW OF VW BUS - ENTHUSIAST'S RESTORATION MANUAL

Thanks to Australian Classic Car for this great review of How to restore Volkswagen Bus – Enthusiast's Restoration Manual by Mark Paxton.

A restoration is not for the faint-hearted – and after reading this book, it’s clear that applies doubly for the venerable VW Bus. The publication focuses purely on the VWs built between August 1967 and October 1979 – what are now called Bay versions due to the curved, single-piece front windscreen. This includes the Microbus, Camper, Kombi and Transporter. As with all publications in the Veloce ‘Enthusiast’s Restoration Manual’ series, it centres on an actual restoration. It starts with a brief history of the VW Bus before letting the reader know what to look out for when buying one. As an English publication, it focuses a lot on rust – which is less of a problem in Australia. Appropriately, the first chapter is also the largest and deals with body repairs. There is an amazing amount of rust in the example shown. However it’s comforting to know the necessary spares are available somewhere in the world – probably South America, where production continued well after 1979. There is a separate chapter on what’s called ‘Closures’, (doors, engine bay cover etc.). Next comes painting, followed by the mechanicals. The front and rear ends are treated separately and the book includes information on the brakes and how torsion bars can be replaced. There are tips on whether an original engine and gearbox should be repaired or replaced – and full repair details are provided. Towards the end, the fuel, exhaust, electrical and ignition systems are covered, as is the trim. I particularly liked the appendix on post-restoration maintenance. For anyone involved with Volkswagens, and the Bus in particular, this book is essential.

Click here for more info about the book.

NEW VELOCE SERIES - WSC GIANTS

WSC (World Sportscar Championship) Giant books will focus on the cars that really stood out from the crowd in the long and exciting history of endurance racing. Each book will tell the story of a car, and the people behind it, that made a big impression in the record books and in the minds of sportscar/prototype racing fans the world over.

Great value for money, these books are packed with pictures, facts and feats. Collect the whole series!

New! Ferrari 312P & 312PB By Peter Collins and Ed McDonough.
The origin and subsequent history of the 3-litre Ferrari sports cars, which the famed Italian firm designed and built to contest the various versions of the World Sports Car Championship between 1969 and 1973. This series of cars started with the V12 engine and progressed to using the Flat 12 Ferrari engine from the then current Grand Prix car. Includes the developmental and race history, with a full list of all events and individual chassis numbers.
Click here for more info about the book.

Coming soon! Matra Sports Cars – MS620, 630, 650, 660 & 670 - 1966 to 1974 By Ed McDonough.
This book details the origin and history of the Matra sports cars. Designed and built by a French firm with no history of sports car racing to contest the various versions of the World Sports Car Championship between 1966 and 1974, this series of cars started life with the 2-litre BRM engine before progressing to the Ford V8, and subsequently Matra’s own V12 from its then current Grand Prix car. Includes the developmental and race history, with a full list of all events and individual chassis numbers.
Click here for more info about the book.

BUZZ, BOMBERS AND MR BEAN – A RECORD GOODWOOD REVIVAL HAD IT ALL

A record number of motor racing enthusiasts and retro-fashion fans flocked to this weekend’s Goodwood Revival (18-20 September) to join in the fun, and celebrations at the world’s largest historic motor race meeting.

The Goodwood Revival is now firmly established as a ‘must attend’ event, with visitors travelling from around the world to attend. The vast majority of the 134,000+ spectators came dressed in their finest 1950s and 1960s fashions, with tweed jackets and mini skirts abounding in the beautiful early autumn sunshine.

On the track Sir Stirling Moss – the planet’s fastest octogenarian – was honoured as he turned 80 with a moving tribute by Lord March and many of Stirling’s old friends. A stunning collection of 80 cars associated with the racing knight’s career paraded in his honour, lead by the great man in the Aston Martin DBR1 in which is clinched the Sports Car World Championship at Goodwood in 1959, as well as a cannon fire salute made by the Royal Horse Artillery, a fly past and all of the Goodwood Revival spectators signing happy birthday to him.

The 50th anniversary of Britain’s most-loved car, the Mini, was also marked on the circuit with a parade of 50 Minis of all shapes and sizes, including a distinctive green and black Mini, causing chaos and being driven from a roof-mounted armchair by Mr Bean, making his first-ever appearance in public.

On Saturday morning Mr Bean greeted surprise Goodwood visitor Lord Peter Mandelson with “Ah, Prime Minister” to which the First Secretary of State replied “Not yet.” Lord Mandelson went on to tour the Revival, stopping in at the event’s BGC Earls Court motor show exhibition to say a few words in support of the current British motor industry, which was well represented with many new UK-built cars making their British debut, including the Goodwood-built Rolls-Royce Ghost and new Jaguar XJ saloon. Lord Mandelson then moved on to have a brief dance to a live rock-n-roll band in the ‘Vintage at Goodwood’ marquee.

Another well-known face dropping into the Revival by UH-1 Huey helicopter was NASA astronaut Buzz Aldrin. After being met by Lord March and driven around the Goodwood circuit in a large 1960’s convertible Ford Thunderbird, Buzz Aldrin joined Sir Terence Conran, James May and others to help judge the annual Freddie March Spirit of Aviation award – a concourse d’elegance for pre-1966 aircraft – which was won by a Bucker BU133C Jungmeister owned by Mark Rijkse. In the sky a series of stunning air displays included two fly pasts by the last airworthy example of the extraordinary Vulcan bomber.

On the track, the quality of motor racing was exceptional throughout the Revival weekend, with many nail-biting races and some thrills and spills along the way. Racing highlights included the thrilling St Mary’s race for saloon cars, which this year was held exclusively as a Mini-only race to honour the 50th anniversary of Britain’s most popular small car, with Oliver Gavin and Nick Swift taking a deserved victory. The £150million car grid for the RAC Tourist Trophy Race also made for an exciting race, with Bobby Rahal and chief Red Bull Formula One team engineer Adrian Newey taking the chequered flag. The exciting Barry Sheene Memorial Trophy motorcycle race featuring a Le Mans-style running start was won by a slim margin by Wayne Gardner and John-Lee Pemberton riding a 1966 matchless G50.

Some great period fashions, including sea of colourful mini skirts on Ladies Day (Saturday) helped seal the laid back, fun atmosphere of the 2009 Revival. The announcement of the new Vintage at Goodwood event, to be staged next 13-15 August 2010, also helped the great vibe, with live bands and dancing. In all, the general consensus was that the 2009 Goodwood Revival was the best one yet; a real ‘weekend in Heaven.’


Press Release & image source: Goodwood Motor Circuit

1972 MINI OUTSPAN ORANGE AT GOODWOOD REVIVAL 2009

One of 53 amazing vehicles built since 1900 featured in the Veloce book The Wonderful Wacky World of MarketingMobiles – Promotional Vehicles of the World by James Hale.

Think you've seen it all? Think again! From motorised lobsters to eggs, beer bottles, weiners (sausages) and a high heeled shoe, the marketing man's imagination has shown no limitations when it comes to MarketingMobiles.
Click here for more info about the book.

THE STARS OF MAXIMUM MINI AT GOODWOOD REVIVAL 2009

The 50th anniversary of the Mini was celebrated at the Goodwood Revival meeting at the weekend. It was great to see an appearance from some of the cars featured in the Veloce book Maximum Mini!


Cox GTM with a copy of the book on the dashboard.

Camber GT

Nimbus. Check out its newly-painted red coat!

Tici

Maximum Mini – The essential book of cars based on the original Mini
BOOK OF THE MONTH – Classic & Sports Car
By Jeroen Booij.
This book focuses solely on the cars derived from the classic Mini. Small GTs, sports cars, roadsters and fun cars: Mini derivatives that changed the specialist motoring market completely in the early sixties, and new designs kept it busy for nearly four decades. From the well known Mini Marcos and Unipower GT that raced at Le Mans, to the very obscure but as exciting Coldwell GT or Sarcon Scarab, almost 60 cars are thoroughly researched, described and photographed in this book.
Click here for more info about the book.

LADIES DAY AT GOODWOOD REVIVAL

Ladies Day and Fashion:

The sight of race-goers smartly dressed in their finest 1950s and 1960s-inspired fashions is one of the vital ingredients that make the Goodwood Revival so unique and thoroughly entertaining. The Revival remains the only motor sport event in the world to hold a dedicated Ladies Day (Saturday 19 September), with spot prizes of champagne being awarded to the best dressed women by an expert panel of fashion judges.

As part of Goodwood’s celebration of 50 years of the Mini car, the mini skirt will also be honoured at the Revival, with visitors (preferably female) encouraged to wear their best mini skirt with special Ladies Day prizes being award to the best skirt and leg combo.

To meet the huge demand for 1950s and 1960s fashions and paraphernalia, the popular Revival Market has been extended out across the road from the main Goodwood circuit entrance, near the enormous Revival Car Show, to cater for more specialist exhibitors.
Press release & image source:Goodwood

It took a great deal of determination on the part of women to sweep aside male resistance from the inner circles of the motoring world. But this book on sale now from Veloce Publishing captures some of their finest moments from 1888 to 1970 - a veritable saga with a wealth of illustrations spanning almost a century of motor racing - FAST LADIES contains detailed descriptions of over forty of the daring, brave women who took part in speed records events, rallies and Grand Prix races during that time with over 400 colour and mono photographs and would make a great present for some lucky lady on Ladies Day.

PUTTING 'ART' IN A SMART

smart is adding a huge splash of colour and personalisation to the ownership of its fortwo models with the launch of an exciting new product design service in conjunction with performance and styling specialists BRABUS.

The smart BRABUS tailor made concept which is being officially launched at this week’s Frankfurt Motor Show, will enable owners to design their own smart car from an array of special colours and bespoke interiors that will create thousands of combinations to choose from.

As part of the service, customers will be able to specify their car’s body panels and tridion safety cell from a palette of 18 vivid colours – each with a supercar/heritage theme. These include the vibrant Campbell Blue, which pays homage to the iconic Bluebird land speed record cars built and tested at Brooklands, the home of Mercedes-Benz World.

Interior detailing on items such as the door handles, instrument cluster, dials and light/wiper lever will also reflect the exterior colour chosen. There will be six tri-top roof colours to select from too, as well as nine leather/Alcantara upholsteries, which will feature in the seats and other areas including door panels, upper dash and in the floor mat edging.

Dermot Kelly, Managing Director, Mercedes-Benz Cars, said: “smart has always been regarded as an iconic and unique product and the launch of smart BRABUS tailor made will enhance that reputation. We offered a sneak preview of the range by showcasing four demonstrators at last weekend’s 2009 smart festival and the concept generated a phenomenal reaction.”

He added: “Business users have enjoyed tremendous success by using vinyl wraps on their smart cars to promote their companies and we expect the opportunity for individual retail customers to personalise their vehicle will be a huge hit too.”

The smart BRABUS tailor made service will be available this winter and offered at the point of purchase by smart retailers nationwide.
Press release/image:smart

A smart read from Veloce! the little book of smart – New Edition! by Paul Jackson.
In the little book of smart, now featuring a brand new extra chapter, author and smart fanatic Paul Jackson guides us through the history of the brand, its highs and lows, its successes and failures, up to the present day, with the very latest fortwo line-up promising major sales worldwide and, of course, helping to pave the way for a future for smart in the USA. It’s a fascinating tale, told succinctly and in an entertaining style, and complemented by full colour photography throughout. 144 pages packed with over 100 colour pictures and entertaining text make this a great little book. Click here for more info.

A GOOD GUIDE FOR TUC MEMBERS

We have a fantastic book out at the moment that all those gathered at the TUC meeting this week would do well to study... Save the Triumph Bonneville! – The inside story of the Meriden Workers’ Co-op by John Rosamond.

A book described by Tony Benn as "one of the most important and relevant histories of British industry that I have ever read...and I strongly recommend anyone interested in the future of Britain to read it carefully."

In his address to the TUC yesterday Gordon Brown was keen to praise the work of Jack Jones – who sadly died in April this year - and Jack Jones played a key role in setting up the Meriden Co-op, a role which is recognised accordingly throughout this book.

In 1973 Britain was the biggest and best motorbike manufacturing nation in the world, but motorbike manufacture became a political football. This is the inside story. The autobiography of a 25 year-old welder who became a national celebrity overnight.

The story has great relevance today after the sit-in at Britain's only major wind turbine factory this summer - the Vestas Wind Systems - failed to save the factory from closure with the loss of more than 600 jobs. And the TUC warned on Tuesday that the jobless total could reach four million. (click image to read full story)

In October 1973 the Triumph workers staged a sit-in that lasted for 18 months. And they eventually won. In the interim period the governing Conservative party lost power and the incoming Labour party eventually loaned the Triumph workers millions of pounds to get the factory running again.

Written by the ex-chairman of the workers’ board of directors of the famous Meriden co-op, this is the real story of the last bastion of British motorcycle production following the collapse of the industry. It’s also the story of a workforce’s refusal to let the Triumph Bonneville die ...

There is no more famous motorcycle than the Triumph Bonneville, the Bonnie, "the best motorcycle in the world," and the Meriden factory producing this icon was a personal Mecca to fans of the marque. Film stars such as Steve McQueen visited Meriden for their Triumphs. But on the brink of what should have been its biggest ever sales season, the BSA parent company dramatically collapsed. The Conservative government reacted, and Norton-Villiers-Triumph was created. The new owners decided to close down Meriden ... so the workers locked them out.

There followed protracted political negotiations, affected all the while by national government changes, ministers’ attitudes, national and international economic conditions and, throughout all this, the world's continuing desire for the Triumph.
As much a study of changing sociopolitical attitudes as of an economically traumatic time for both Triumph and the country, socialist John Rosamond's unique position within the workers’ co-operative makes this work a fascinating account of a story never before told from the inside. The reversal of his role from worker to chairman brought with it new responsibilities, bringing home to him the passion that employees, customers and dealers had for Triumph, and how that could keep Meriden from closing and the Bonneville in production. During all these desperate struggles, the Triumph Bonneville became the best-selling motorcycle of its class, winning the coveted Motor Cycle News Motorcycle of The Year award at the end of the seventies. Yet within just a few years of this, Meriden and the Bonnie were finally gone.
All the rescue attempts, the lifesaving international orders, and the negotiations for a reprieve with the new Thatcher government are covered here in unique detail, as is the introduction of new models that Meriden hoped would attract a 'white knight'. Illustrated with never-before-seen photographs from the personal collections of the factory's workers, this inside-story of Triumph's last years at Meriden is the definitive history of the most famous of the Tony Benn worker's co-operatives and should definitely be studied by all TUC members.
Click here for more info about the book.

MOVING ON UP

Veloce are moving! It's official. Click here to read the full story in the Western Gazette this week.


Judith Brooks with her dog Immie and Veloce Publishing co-director Rod Grainger check one of the new Hubble and Hattie range of animal-themed books. Picture by James Dadzitis.

BONNIE WINNER

Congratulations to Chris Webber of North Square, Chickerel, who won the recent competition in the Dorset Echo to win copies of Tales of Triumph Motorcycles and the Meriden Factory worth £19.99, Save the Triumph Bonneville! – The inside story of the Meriden Workers’ Co-op, worth £24.99, and Triumph Bonneville – The Essential Buyer's Guide worth £9.99.

He correctly identified that Veloce Publishing was named after a variant of the Alfa Romeo marque of cars - the Alfa Romeo Veloce. Chris popped down to our office in Dorchester to pick up his books, before heading back home on his Honda motorbike!

Chris said: "I've entered loads of Dorset Echo competitions, but I've never won anything before. And I'd actually forgotten I'd entered this one, but I was over the moon when Veloce Publishing called me and invited me into their Dorchester office last Friday to receive these books."

FEARLESS FAST LADIES IN TATLER

Thanks very much to Irish Tatler for its full-page feature on Fast Ladies – female racing drivers 1888 to 1970 in this month's issue.

"Fast Ladies is a fascinating new book ... lavishly illustrated." – Irish Tatler

4-STAR TRIUMPH!

A 4-star review for Save the Triumph Bonneville! – The inside story of the Meriden Workers’ Co-op cropped up in the Coventry Telegraph last week. Have a read!

"A lively glimpse of the Midlands of the 70s." – Coventry Telegraph

IT'S A TRIUMPH!

Reviewed in Classic Cars this month, How to restore Triumph TR2, 3, 3A, 4 & 4A was previously available as two separate volumes. This new manual brings together all of author Roger Williams' TR 2, 3, 3A, 4 & 4A expertise in one easy to use, completely updated and revised edition.

"The text is thorough, clear and well-informed, with photographs and captions that are also essential viewing/reading." – Classic Cars

Click image to read the full review.

ANDRÉ LEFEBVRE - LIVRE DU MOIS

A round up of the rave reviews that have been coming in for the brand new book André Lefebvre, and the cars he created at Voisin and Citroën
by Gijsbert-Paul Berk. Thanks to Classic & Sports Car, Octane and ClassicCars magazines for the reviews.

Click the images below to read each review in full:



This biography of André Lefebvre gives a revealing insight to the work of a practically unknown aeronautic engineer. Responsible for the minimalist 2CV and the Citroën DS – the sensation of the automotive world in 1955 – Lefebvre remains an icon of original automobile engineering and avant-garde design to this day. Click here for more info about the book.

GORDON MURRAY DESIGN REVEAL T.25 CITY CAR SEATING LAYOUT

Gordon Murray Design’s T.25 City Car is not only designed around a central driving position but an MPV package offering 6 internal layouts within the same vehicle, each layout being easily achieved within 30 seconds.

The T.25 City Car has been packaged to accept three 95th percentile occupants and the central driving position has been named ‘iCentre®’, although the actual concept dates back to 1966 when Gordon Murray first came up with the idea during his Mechanical Engineering studies at Durban Institute of Technology in South Africa. The three-seat configuration was put into production with the McLaren F1 and then resurrected in 1999 during the original study for Murray’s City Car - then known as Project 3.

The central driving position gives unparalleled control and visibility whilst supporting the ultra-flexible interior space. This gives the T.25 a potential market advantage over the Smart Fortwo which is purely a two-seater with a small luggage capacity. In maximum ‘shopping mode’ the T.25 can be driver only but offers 750 litres of stowage space which is equal to 6 shopping trolleys in volume!

The two pedal vehicle does not have a gear lever but instead relies on push buttons with the options of fully automatic or manual using Forward, Reverse & Neutral.

Gordon Murray Design are currently in discussions with several interested parties to move the car into production using the iStream® Manufacturing process. iStream® is a unique, innovative method of producing cars invented by Gordon Murray Design which, amongst other things, reduces the area and investment of a typical car factory by 80%.
(Source:Gordon Murray Design Limited)

AUTO HEADLINES

MINI Frankfurt show stars confirmed for production at Plant Oxford

Dr. Norbert Reithofer, Chairman of the Board of Management, BMW AG has announced that two new MINI models are to be built at MINI Plant Oxford.

Reithofer confirmed the production plan during his two-day visit to BMW Group UK operations earlier this week.

One of the models is based on the MINI Coupé Concept and a concept of the second vehicle will be unveiled for the first time to global media at Frankfurt Motor Show on 15 September.

Images of the stunning MINI Coupé Concept were issued to press on 26 August 2009, exactly fifty years after the first classic Mini was presented to the public.

Likely to feature the impressive 1.6-litre turbocharged MINI John Cooper Works power train, the MINI Coupé Concept is designed to be the most dynamic and agile MINI ever built. Strictly a two-seater, the low roof line, compact dimensions, perfect axle load distribution and lightweight construction are all trademarks of a genuine sports car.

Details of the second model have not yet been announced.

The two new models will join the existing Hatch, Clubman and Convertibles on the production line at Plant Oxford, where all derivatives are produced seamlessly just-in-time and just-in-sequence.

Business Secretary Lord Mandelson said: “The production of the two new MINI models is very good news for Oxford, and for the UK car industry. It is a demonstration of BMW’s long term commitment to the UK as it celebrates its 50th birthday this year.

“British drivers have had a long love affair with the MINI and I’m sure that this will continue for many years to come.”

Dr. Juergen Hedrich, Managing Director of MINI Plant Oxford, said: “The fact that Plant Oxford will be building these exciting new models shows the high level of flexibility of the plant and its associates. The MINI family has a bright future.”

Start dates for these two new models to enter production will be confirmed in due course. (Source:www.press.bmwgroup.com)

BMW to build two new models in the UK

BMW plans to build two new models at its Oxford plant, in a vote of confidence in UK manufacturing and a significant boost for Britain’s hard-pressed motor industry.

The move will result in new jobs and investment at the factory, which is operating close to its capacity of 200,000-220,000 cars a year, according to BMW chief executive Norbert Reithofer.

The carmaker will unveil concept versions of a Mini coupe and a second, as yet undisclosed car, at the Frankfurt Motor Show later this month.

Mr Reithofer said: “I am pleased to announce the Mini coupe concept car and another new Mini model will both be built at Oxford.”

The factory employs about 3,500 people. However, Mr Reithofer would not comment on potential job increases or a production timetable for the new Minis. Speculation that 1,000 jobs could be created has been described as premature by a BMW spokeswoman.

Meanwhile, Mr Reithofer has declared that BMW intends to continue as one of just two big independent luxury car producers now left in the world.

He ruled out a tie-up with a mass-market carmaker, and believes that the German manufacturer’s production volume of 1.5 million to two million cars a year will be enough to allow it to survive using limited ‘intelligent co-operations’ with other carmakers. (Financial Times: September 3).

Revised driving theory test set for introduction

The Driving Standards Agency (DSA) will start to introduce case studies into the driving theory test later this month.

From September 28, one case study will be included in the exam for car drivers, moped and motorcycle riders.

As part of the multiple choice section of the test, the case study will assess candidates’ understanding of driving theory, whilst the multiple choice questions will continue to assess their knowledge of the subject.

The introductory theory test case study will take the form of a scenario, or short story, on which five questions will be based. Candidates will answer the questions in the same way as they do now, using either the touch screen or mouse.

The DSA’s director of driver education and learning Jill Lewis said: “Case studies are widely used in education to put learning into context and test comprehension of a subject, so many candidates will have encountered this type of question before.

“Initially we are introducing one case study based on existing questions in the theory test question bank, to get candidates used to the concept. It will also allow us to monitor any impact on the theory test. Over time, we plan to introduce more case studies into the theory test to assess candidates’ understanding of what they have learned.”

Changes to the theory test are part of Learning to Drive, a long-term programme of major reforms that will progressively strengthen the way that people learn to drive and are tested.

A PICNIC AT GOODWOOD

Image taken from Motor Racing at Goodwood in the Sixties by Tony Gardiner (Veloce).

Motor Sport Circuit Guide will be attending the Goodwood Revival this year (September 18th, 19th and 20th) with an exhibition space opposite the entrance to Bonhams Auction. The publishers will be promoting their motoring media channels as well as hosting several themed picnics throughout the three days.

Partners, Veloce Publishing, also will be promoting its range of motorsport books with special show offers.

If you would like to attend one of the free picnics, please email ben@motorsportcircuitguide.com or call 01442 823 523.

THE BONNEVILLE CELEBRATION MONTAGE VIDEO

John Rosamond (Author of Save the Triumph Bonneville! The inside story of the Meriden Workers Co-op) Book Launch & Signing.

Also includes the Sunday morning ride out to Meriden and the Sunday afternoon - Battle of Britain Memorial Flight Lancaster flyover. Click here for more info about the book.