learner drivers will take tests again this weeklearner drivers will take tests again this week

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June 26 round-up: Options confusing buyers; Driving lessons restart; Hancock beach warning

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Time 7:09 am, June 26, 2020

  • Here’s your business, motoring and news round-up for Friday, June 26

Buyers confused by options lists and spending less

Twenty per cent of new car buyers are confused by the ‘bewildering’ number of optional extras, trim levels and engine derivatives, a survey has found.

Furthermore, of those who had been confused during the car buying process, 50 per cent ultimately bought a less expensive car or one from another brand.


The findings, from a study of 1,500 new car buyers by What Car?, found that confusion is still rife in the industry despite manufacturers simplifying ranges.

Driving lessons in England to resume from July 4

Driving lessons will be allowed to resume in England from July 4 announced House of Commons leader Jacob Rees-Mogg.


The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) will be writing to all approved driving instructors to set out plans on how to recommence driver testing and to ‘help them return to a life that is as close to normal as possible.’

He said: ‘From July 4, I am happy to say that people will be able to take driving lessons on a motorcycle, or in a car, lorry or bus. And there will be a phased approach to resuming practical testing, so learners have the opportunity to practice before taking a test.’

Hancock warns government could close beaches 

Health Secretary Matt Hancock has warned the government will take action if social distancing measures are ignored as thousands flocked to the south coast on the hottest day of the year.

Hancock told TalkRadio yesterday that the government had the power to close public areas such as beaches if people flout safety restrictions.

It comes as Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole council declared a major incident after services were ‘completely overstretched’ as huge numbers of visitors crowded onto the beaches during the day.

Royal Mail axing 2,000 management jobs

Around 2,000 management jobs are being axed at Royal Mail as it looks to slash costs in the face of the coronavirus crisis.

The group said the job cuts come as part of a management overhaul under plans to save £330m over the next two years.


The cull will affect some of its 9,700 managers, with senior executive and non-operational roles hardest hit.

Markets shake off second wave fears

Markets in Europe lifted higher after a positive afternoon session as trading sentiment strengthened in the face of stark warnings over a potential second wave.

The FTSE 100 increased later in the session, despite the US reporting its largest one-day increase in coronavirus infections, closing 23.45 points higher at 6,147.14p.

The German Dax increased by 0.97 per cent, while the French Cac moved 1.32 per cent higher.

Two in five families spending more money on children

Two in five families with children still living at home have spent more money on their offspring during the lockdown than they would normally, a survey has found.

Some 40 per cent of households fell into this bracket, with parents typically spending £52.05 more every week per family, according to comparethemarket.com’s household financial confidence tracker.

Adding this weekly total up over the past three months, families who are spending more may have paid out around £625 extra on average.

Millennials spend on gardens during lockdown

Millennials have spent nearly twice as much money tending to their gardens during the coronavirus lockdown as people generally, a survey suggests.

People aged 25 to 39 typically estimate they have spent £213 on their outdoor space over the past few months, compared with £125 per person with a garden generally.

People who have been furloughed have also spent more money on their garden during the lockdown than the average, typically estimating they have paid out £189.

Car Dealer Live today: Sophus 3’s Scott Gairns

Yesterday’s Car Dealer Live can be seen here

James Baggott's avatar

James is the founder and editor-in-chief of Car Dealer Magazine, and CEO of parent company Baize Group. James has been a motoring journalist for more than 20 years writing about cars and the car industry.



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