On your driving test the examiner may mark one of the following two boxes
Control - Always try and use the vehicle controls as smoothly as possible. This reduces
wear and tear on your vehicle and this will help in reducing CO2 emissions.
Planning - Reduce Harmful emissions by anticipating road traffic conditions and acting
in good time, rather than acting at the last moment.
Eco-Safe Driving Advice
Control
Start / moving away
Try to avoid excessive revving when starting your engine and moving away.
Accelerator
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.
Gears
It’s not always necessary to change up or down through each gear, try skipping gears.
As soon as conditions allow, use the highest possible gear, without making the engine
struggle.
Appropriate use of speed
Ensure that your speed is appropriate to the road, traffic and weather conditions.
Consider how inappropriate speed can effect fuel consumption and emissions.
Planning
Hazard awareness / planning and anticipation
Identify hazards early, allowing adequate time to react - this will result in braking
and acceleration that is smooth and progressive. Maintain space around your vehicle
and drive calmly.
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 you are stuck in traffic or waiting for someone, the engine is idling so you
are wasting fuel and adding CO2 emissions. If you are Likely be at a standstill
for a while, simply switch off your engine.
Additional Information
Makes you a safer driver by increasing your hazard perception and planning skills
Making theses changes will reduce your fuel bill and lower emissions.
Regular Maintenace of your vehicle can reduce emissions and save fuel.
What else can you do?
Tyres
Check Regularly and keep at recommended pressure.
Weight
Don’t carry unnecessary weight.
Remove roof-rack / luggage boxes when not needed to reduce air resistance.
Speed
Don’t exceed speed limits, accelerate gently.
Consider using cruise control where it would be appropriate.
Engine
Turn off your engine if you are likely to have a prolonged wait.
Use air conditioning only when you need to.
Route Planning
Plan your route to avoid congestion points.
Try to travel during off-peak times, making your journey times shorter.
Consider sharing the vehicle and avoid unnecessary short journeys.
