Why are fuel-efficiency tips and eco-driving now included in the driving test?
Tips on greener driving have been included in the materials for those learning to drive since 2005, and in the same year, it became part of the practical test for driving instructors. It is now part of the practical test for all candidates, where it does not form part of the test result but is used by the examiner to give candidates feedback on their performance. The initiative builds on the government’s ACT ON CO2 campaign, which encourages drivers to cut CO2 emissions by reducing fuel consumption. In trials of eco-safe driving techniques, drivers demonstrated fuel savings of between 5% and 17%, depending on the experience of the driver. This can have a real impact not only on emission levels but on how much a driver pays for fuel. If all drivers in the UK followed the eco-safe driving tips, CO2 emissions from cars could be reduced by up to 8% (or over 5.5 million tonnes of CO2 a year), saving motorists over 2bn a year in fuel costs. Using eco-safe methods should also mean that driver
