How to Drive Fuel-Efficiently (Eco – Control)

1. Smooth Acceleration and Braking
   1. Accelerate gently – Avoid excessive revving; press the accelerator lightly and progressively.
   2. Use the highest suitable gear – Change up early to avoid high engine revs.
   3. Avoid heavy braking – Slow down gradually rather than braking suddenly.
2. Use the Right Gears Efficiently
   1. Shift up at around 2,000-2,500 RPM in petrol cars, and 1,500-2,000 RPM in diesel cars.
   2. Skip gears when necessary (e.g., 2nd to 4th gear) to reduce unnecessary engine strain.
   3. Avoid staying in lower gears longer than needed, as this wastes fuel.
3. Reduce Engine Idling
   1. Turn off the engine if you expect to be stationary for a long period (e.g., roadworks, railway crossings).
   2. Modern cars have stop-start systems that automatically turn off the engine when idle—use it if available.
   3. Avoid excessive revving when starting the engine.
4. Use Cruise Control (If Available)
   1. Cruise control helps maintain a steady speed on motorways and dual carriageways, improving fuel efficiency.
   2. Only use it on clear roads—not in urban areas with frequent stops and speed changes.

How to Plan Ahead for Fuel-Efficient Driving (Eco – Planning)

1. Look Ahead to Avoid Unnecessary Stopping
   1. Anticipate traffic flow – If you see red lights ahead, ease off the accelerator instead of braking late.
   2. Keep a safe following distance to allow smooth speed adjustments.
   3. Avoid unnecessary lane changes that require extra acceleration and braking.
2. Use ‘Engine Braking’ Where Possible
   1. Instead of pressing the brake pedal too often, release the accelerator and let the car slow down naturally in gear.
   2. This technique reduces brake wear and improves fuel efficiency.
3. Maintain a Consistent Speed
   1. Driving at a steady speed is more efficient than frequent acceleration and braking.
   2. On motorways and fast roads, staying at 55-65 mph instead of 70 mph can save up to 25% of fuel.
4. Avoid Unnecessary Air Conditioning and Electrical Loads
   1. AC and heating increase fuel consumption—use them only when needed.
   2. Remove unnecessary weight (e.g., roof racks) and keep tires properly inflated for better efficiency.

Common Mistakes That Reduce Fuel Efficiency

1. Unnecessary Revving and Harsh Acceleration
   1. Revving the engine too much before moving off wastes fuel and increases emissions.
   2. Solution: Use gentle acceleration and avoid pressing the pedal too hard.
2. Braking Too Late or Too Often
   1. Harsh braking increases wear on brakes and uses more fuel.
   2. Solution: Plan ahead and slow down gradually using engine braking.
3. Using Lower Gears for Too Long
   1. Staying in 1st or 2nd gear unnecessarily causes high fuel consumption.
   2. Solution: Shift to higher gears as soon as the speed allows.
4. Keeping the Engine Running When Not Moving
   1. Idling for long periods wastes fuel and increases pollution.
   2. Solution: Turn off the engine if you expect to wait for more than a minute.

Examiner Expectations – What They Check in the Driving Test

During the UK driving test, the examiner will assess eco-safe driving under two areas:

1. Eco – Control → How well you handle the car to drive efficiently.
2. Eco – Planning → How well you anticipate situations to avoid unnecessary fuel use.

What the Examiner Wants to See?

1. Smooth acceleration – No harsh revving or unnecessary throttle use.
2. Efficient gear selection – Changing up early and using block gear changes when needed.
3. Anticipation of traffic – Avoiding unnecessary braking and maintaining steady speeds.
4. Reducing engine idling – Turning off the engine when waiting for long periods.
5. Controlled use of air conditioning and electrical features – Not overloading the engine unnecessarily.

Real-Life Learning from a Failed Test

A learner failed their test not because of a major mistake but because they consistently over-revved the engine while moving off and stayed in low gears too long. The examiner marked them down in Eco – Control and advised on smoother acceleration and earlier gear shifts.

What Could Have Helped?

1. Practicing gentle acceleration and listening to engine sounds.
2. Learning block gear changes to avoid unnecessary low-gear driving.
3. Observing road conditions ahead to avoid stop-and-go driving.

Final Thoughts on Eco-Safe Driving

1. Fuel-efficient driving saves money, reduces emissions, and makes driving smoother.
2. Although eco-driving does not affect your test result, it is a valuable skill for lifelong driving.
3. Practicing eco-driving techniques with your instructor will make you a more efficient and environmentally responsible driver.