Episodes

  • The Week Ahead: 3 to 9 November 2025

    The Week Ahead: 3 to 9 November 2025
    Nov 2 2025
    The week of 3 to 9 November brings major events affecting many people, from Spain’s policy planning to the UK’s economic decisions and Europe’s environmental diplomacy. With COP30 in Brazil, Remembrance services in London, and global financial updates, this is a week of reflection, responsibility and major global developments. The post The Week Ahead: 3 to 9 November 2025 first appeared on Mad Black Cat.

    For more updates, visit Mark Nolan's Podcast!
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    2 mins
  • New Spanish Driving Tests, UK Senior Licence Changes, and the Fight Against 'Ghost Plates'

    New Spanish Driving Tests, UK Senior Licence Changes, and the Fight Against 'Ghost Plates'
    Nov 2 2025
    This week on the N332 Driving in Spain podcast, we dive into major developments impacting drivers across Spain and the UK.

    Mark Nolan covers the DGT's significant revamp of the Spanish driving theory test, which now incorporates new road signs and plans for video-based questions to better test real-world judgement.

    We also look at the UK Government’s introduction of a new mandatory digital renewal process for driving licences for those aged 70 and over.

    In crime and enforcement news, Spain is imposing tougher penalties—up to a six-point deduction—for mobile phone use at the wheel, while UK police are deploying new technology to combat 'ghost plates' used to evade ANPR cameras.

    As the nights draw in, we highlight three essential articles on N332.es focusing on the crucial theme of road visibility.

    Plus, our Motoring History Corner explores key developments from the first week of November in both Spanish and UK transport history.

    Tune in for all the essential road safety news and analysis you need for the week ahead.

    For more updates, visit Mark Nolan's Podcast!
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    12 mins
  • DGT's Digital Revolution, The Hidden Danger on UK Roads, and Compulsory Eye Tests for Older Drivers - N332 Driving in Spain Podcast

    DGT's Digital Revolution, The Hidden Danger on UK Roads, and Compulsory Eye Tests for Older Drivers - N332 Driving in Spain Podcast
    Oct 12 2025
    This week, the N332 Driving in Spain Podcast delivers essential updates affecting drivers across Europe. We begin in Spain, where the DGT has formally revamped the driving theory test, introducing new questions based on updated road signage and confirming plans to integrate video-based risk assessment in 2026—a model inspired by the UK and Australia. If you are learning to drive or renewing your knowledge, this is critical information.

    Crossing to the UK, we detail the urgent tyre safety warning issued by National Highways. Shocking statistics reveal that one in four vehicles may be running on illegal or defective tyres, posing a risk comparable to mobile phone use at the wheel. We explain the 'T.R.I.P.' campaign and why checking your tyres is more crucial than ever as winter approaches.

    We also look at forthcoming changes to UK driving law, including proposals for mandatory medical and eye tests for drivers over 70 at licence renewal, and a potential lowering of the drink-drive limit in England and Wales to match Scotland and the EU.

    Finally, we feature a full breakdown of the DGT’s mandatory technical standards for e-scooters and Personal Mobility Vehicles (VMPs) in Spain, covering everything from speed limits and lighting requirements to the new Certificate of Compliance. Our Motoring History Corner looks back at the launch of the controversial Ford Sierra and the day a British car broke the sound barrier.


    For more updates, visit Mark Nolan's Podcast!
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    11 mins
  • Distracted Driving Crackdown, Tyre Safety, and New DGT Signs - The N332 Driving in Spain Podcast

    Distracted Driving Crackdown, Tyre Safety, and New DGT Signs - The N332 Driving in Spain Podcast
    Oct 6 2025
    This week, the DGT is targeting every form of driver distraction—from holding a mobile phone (a 6-point, €200 offence) to subtle habits like smoking or talking to passengers.

    We detail why this campaign is crucial, reviewing a news story where a driver changing a song caused a horrific school bus accident.

    Plus, we highlight our three new website articles, explaining the mandatory need for identical tyres on each axle in Spain and why safety experts recommend replacing your tread at 3 millimetres, not the legal 1.6 millimetres, to significantly improve wet weather stopping distances.

    For more updates, visit Mark Nolan's Podcast!
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    9 mins
  • Jane Mansfield’s Legacy on the Road: How a Hollywood Tragedy Saved Lives

    Jane Mansfield’s Legacy on the Road: How a Hollywood Tragedy Saved Lives
    Oct 3 2025
    Jane Mansfield’s untimely death in 1967 was one of Hollywood’s darkest moments. Yet her legacy endures in a surprising way: through a life-saving feature on lorries and trucks seen every day across the UK and Spain. The post Jane Mansfield’s Legacy on the Road: How a Hollywood Tragedy Saved Lives first appeared on Mad Black Cat.

    For more updates, visit Mark Nolan's Podcast!
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    4 mins
  • How Many ZX Spectrums Does It Take to Draw a Cat?

    How Many ZX Spectrums Does It Take to Draw a Cat?
    Oct 1 2025
    How many ZX Spectrums would it take to draw a cat? Millions. A ZX81? Forget it, you’d still be waiting. This episode puts AI image generation into context, comparing today’s technology with the computers many of us grew up with — a fun reminder of how far we’ve come.

    For more updates, visit Mark Nolan's Podcast!
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    3 mins
  • How Many ZX Spectrums Does It Take to Draw a Cat?

    How Many ZX Spectrums Does It Take to Draw a Cat?
    Oct 1 2025
    An AI image of two cats took 30 seconds to generate. On a ZX Spectrum it would have taken millions of machines working together, and on a ZX81… well, you’d still be waiting. A light-hearted look at how far computers have come in just a few decades. The post How Many ZX Spectrums Does It Take to Draw a Cat? first appeared on Mad Black Cat.

    For more updates, visit Mark Nolan's Podcast!
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    3 mins
  • October Social Media Content Planner for Businesses

    October Social Media Content Planner for Businesses
    Sep 29 2025
    A lively social media planner for October, prioritising Spain, the UK and Europe. Creative Instagram-first ideas include Halloween fun, cosy autumn themes, and a nod to World Food Day, with a featured ODC and Lanson image concept and a ready-to-use radio script.



    For more updates, visit Mark Nolan's Podcast!
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    2 mins