Franklin Trailer 156b Hub Assembly on 2040-parts.com

Londoners 'most likely to fail' driving test

LEARNERS gearing up to take their first driving test are twice as likely to pass in Scotland as those in London, according to analysis of driving test results by a car insurance company. Its analysis reveals that London has the test centres with the four lowest pass rates in the country for first time test-takers. Only 31% of learner drivers in Belvedere passing the first time, while Wanstead (32%), Barking (32%) and Wood Green (33%) were the other lowest scoring centres in the capital, all with first time pass rates significantly below the national average (48%), the study by Privilege Car Insurance found.

MINI owners paying TWICE for servicing

Don’y pay to service your MINI twice MINI has been busy launching the New MINI of late, with the bigger – and some would say less ‘Mini’ MINI – now revealed in both regular 3-door and new 5-door guise, and many will be popping off to their local MINI showrooms to spec up their new car. And despite a headline starting price for the new MINI Hatch of just £13,750, many buyers will end up adding thousands to the cost once they’ve been tempted by the multitude of options on offer. But one option that’s a real no-brainer is the MINI TLC Pack.

Ducati 1199 Panigale merges components, sheds weight [w/gallery]

Ducati has released an image of its new 1199 Panigale without its fairings, illustrating how multiple elements of the bike have been fused together to make it incredibly lightweight and compact. The motorcycle manufacturer has managed to reduce the overall dry weight to be reduced by 10kg to a benchmark weight of just 164kg. The monocoque connects to the specially-designed engine's cylinder heads and comes forward to house the steering head bearings.