Eco-Safe driving is to be assessed in driving tests in the UK from Sep 10th 2008. What this means is you should be able to demonstrate a driving style that uses less fuel, and as a result produces less polluting chemicals. Of course the less fuel we use the more money we can save ourselves!
What this means is a revised style of driving which includes:-
- Enhanced hazard perception and awareness skills
- Selective use of gears
- Progressive use of accelerator
- Compliance with speed limits
- Utilisation of engine braking/torque
- Use of cruise control (where fitted)
You should also consider things such as:-
- Carrying unnecessary weight
- Route planning etc.
The recently published version of "Driving - the essential skill" has an entire chapter on "Eco-safe driving" and you will find much more information there.
The kinds of things that can result in a driver error in eco-safe driving are:
- Consistently fails to identify hazards in a timely manner and as a result braking and acceleration is rushed and harsh.
- Consistently fails to comply with posted and national speed limits. Drives too quickly for prevailing road, traffic and weather conditions.
- Consistently uses excessive accelerator when starting engine. Moves away from stops harshly - too quickly for conditions
- Consistently uses the accelerator during normal driving harshly. As a result progress is made in such a way as to produce an uncomfortable ride. The stability of the vehicle is affected.
- Consistently fails to use gears effectively and efficiently. Selects inappropriate gears and does not use selective gear selection. Causes engine to over rev or labour due to inappropriate selection.
- Consistently fails to use engine braking - showing an over-reliance on brakes to slow the vehicle.
- Consistently fails to take advantage of power/torque characteristics of a modern engine. Uses lower gears unnecessarily, not recognizing, when negotiating hazards, that a higher gear may be appropriate.
- Consistently fails to use cruise control (where fitted) appropriately.
This assessment is not part of the existing assessment criteria for the practical test and you will not fail your test because you don't demonstrate eco-safe driving techniques. The driving examiner will assess control and planning, and at the end of the test will give you feedback, as guidance, on how efficiently you're driving.