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Learner drivers to be tested on their awareness of the environment
Learner drivers are facing more stringent test requirements every year. Increased emphasis is being put on safety in line with new government targets of reducing car accidents by 40% by 2010. Young drivers in the future will also have to show their examiner that they can check the oil and carry out other basic mechanical tasks on a car.

In line with Germany, Switzerland and Finland eco-driving will now be top of the agenda when teaching a new driver. From 2007 driving tests will cover an assessment of the driver’s ability to conserve fuel in order to reduce fuel emissions and improve road safety. Drivers who over rev, pull away too quickly and brake too sharply could fail their driving test. New driving instructors are now asked to ‘ reflect increased awareness and need for economically/environmentally friendly driving’.

The key to being a ‘green’ driver is to be aware of what is happening on the road ahead. Rather than braking, the driver should be able to take their foot off the accelerator and come to a smooth and environmentally friendly, stop. Modern cars use very little fuel when they are coasting and green drivers can reduce fuel consumption by up to 8.5%.

The European Climate Change Programme has worked out that if all drivers across the EU begin to drive more ecologically, they would save 25 billion litres of fuel and reduce carbon dioxide emissions by at least 50 million tons by 2010.