Driving test to measure eco-friendly motoring

New motorists are to be marked on eco-friendliness during their practical driving test.

By Jon Swaine Last Updated: 4:04PM BST 10 Sep 2008

In addition to logging their faults in parking, mirror use and clutch control, examiners will now also measure candidates' fuel efficiency.
The new test has been introduced by the Driving Standards Agency in order to comply with European Union legislation.
While no one will be failed for not being green enough, would-be drivers will be given a detailed environmental assessment of their performance and receive instructions on how they should improve. Among other orders, drivers will be told they must not move down through the gears when preparing to stop, and that they should memorise the mantra "gears are for going - brakes are for slowing".
Smoother acceleration, keener appreciation of gaps in traffic at roundabouts and avoiding sudden braking are also advised.
The Government said it hoped that skills learned during the new test would see the average motorist preserve a whole month's worth of fuel over the course of a year - saving about £150 during the economic downturn and reducing carbon dioxide emissions.
Combining their new techniques with a more fuel efficient car could see the average driver save up to 3 month's worth of fuel, it added.
Jim Fitzpatrick, a Transport minister, said: "To help the next generation of motorists drive in a way that is better for their wallets and the environment, the driving test will now assess how successfully they follow fuel efficient and eco-safe driving advice.
"Common-sense changes can make for major improvements. Drivers can save around a month's worth of fuel each year by taking simple steps, like ensuring their tyres are correctly pumped up, changing gear earlier to keep revs low and avoiding carrying unnecessary clutter in the boot.
"Smarter driving tips have already proved highly successful and will help even more motorists to save money."