Eco-Safe Driving


When you take your driving test you will be assessed on your ability to drive in a way that shows eco-safe driving techniques.

The assessment is not part of the existing assessment criteria for your practical driving test and you will not fail your test because you do not demonstrate eco-safe driving techniques. 

Your driving examiner will assess control and planning, and at the end of your test will give you feedback as guidance on how efficiently you are driving.

Control

Always try to use the vehicle controls as smoothly as possible, paying particular attention to :

Starting and Moving away

Try to avoid excessive revving when starting your engine and moving away

Accelerating -

 Use the accelerator smoothly and progressively. When appropriate take your foot off the accelerator and allow the momentum of the vehicle to take you forward. Avoid pumping the accelerator as this uses more fuel.

Use of gears -

 It is not always necessary to change up or down through each individual gear; try skipping gears. As soon as coditions allow, use the highest possible gear, without making the engine struggle.

Driving at an appropriate speed

Ensure that your speed is appropriate to the road, traffic and weather conditions. Consider how inappropriate speed can affect fuel consumption and emissions

This redues wear and tear on your vehicle and will help in reducing CO2.

Planning

By anticipating road traffic conditions and acting in good time, rather than reacting to them at the moment, especially:

Showing hazard awareness and planning

Identify hazards early, allowing time to react - this will result in braking and acceleration that is smooth and progressive. Maintain space around your vehicle and drive in a calm manner.

Making use of engine braking

Use engine braking when possible. With your foot fully off the accelerator the engine needs little, if any fuel

Stopping the engine when appropriate

when you are stuck in traffic or waiting for someone, the engine is idling so you are wasting fuel and adding to CO2 emissions. If you are likely to be at a standstill for a while, simply switch off your engine.

Tips for "eco-safe" driving

       - check your tyres regularly and keep at the recommended pressures

      - do not carry unnecessary weight

      - remove roof-rack or luggage boxes when not needed, this will reduce air resistance

      - do not exceed speed limits and gently accelerate

      - consider using cruise control (where fitted) where it would be appropriate

      - turn off your engine if you are likely to have a prolonged wait 

      - use air conditioning (where fitted) only when you need to

      - plan your route to avoid known congestion points

      - try and travel during off-peaks times


 
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