英语口译：最严驾考创最低通过率

 　　China’s new traffic regulations came into effect last Tuesday. Apart from complaints regarding the new rules on stopping at ayellow light, those preparing to take their driving tests are also feeling under more pressure as aresult of the new traffic law amendment¹.

　　Those who leave studying for their driving test to the last minute, may find themselves caught out.

　　The pass rate for the amended² theory test in Yuyang City of East China’s Zhejiang Province hasfallen to 10% compared with 80% under the old test.

　　One resident said, "For people like us who have never driven before, it’s really hard to understandall the concepts."One candidate said, "The questions are very open. And there are some new points not covered inthe textbooks or on the internet."The new theory test is divided into five parts and almost half of it is presented in graphics³.

　　The questions are set in real-time situations which require more than just memorizing information.

　　Yan Qing, Traffic Management bureau of Jiangjin, said, "Because there’s no template test online, candidates won’t be able to pass this test by just memorising answers. They’ll have to learn therelevant rules, familiarise themselves with technical terms and try to understand them."Last Friday, the new practical driving test came into effect. Here at the test area in Chongqing, onlyone third of candidates passed. The test is more practical and more rigorous.

　　One difference is that there are no longer helpful reference markings to refer to when reversing, aswas the case under the previous test.

　　By Monday, however, the practical pass rate had already climbed back up to 49%. Under the newregulations, using a handheld cellphone is prohibited whilst driving, and blue tooth headsets arebecoming a must-have for drivers.

　　However, experts say, even with the headsets, calling or answering a cellphone whilst driving couldstill potentially distract drivers.

　　So to make sure you don’t lose your license⁴, it’s better and safer for you to use your cellphoneafter you’ve stopped the vehicle.

　　According to the latest official statistics, road accidents in major cities like Beijing have decreasedsince the new regulations took effect.

1 amendment   

n.改正，修正，改善，修正案

参考例句：

• The amendment was rejected by 207 voters to 143.这项修正案以207票对143票被否决。
• The Opposition has tabled an amendment to the bill.反对党已经就该议案提交了一项修正条款。

2 Amended   

adj. 修正的 动词amend的过去式和过去分词

参考例句：

• He asked to see the amended version. 他要求看修订本。
• He amended his speech by making some additions and deletions. 他对讲稿作了些增删修改。

3 graphics   

n.制图法，制图学；图形显示

参考例句：

• You've leveraged your graphics experience into the video area.你们把图形设计业务的经验运用到录像业务中去。
• Improved graphics took computer games into a new era.经改进的制图技术将电脑游戏带进了一个新时代。

4 license   

n.执照，许可证，特许；v.许可，特许

参考例句：

• The foreign guest has a license on the person.这个外国客人随身携带执照。
• The driver was arrested for having false license plates on his car.司机由于使用假车牌而被捕。