Eco-friendly skills coming to drive tests in the UK
There are a myriad of ways to reduce fuel consumption when driving, the most obvious being what type of vehicle you choose. However, one of the most crucial factors in saving dino-juice is the way in which the vehicle is piloted. Heavy acceleration, doing an unnecessary tap dance between the brake and gas, not looking far ahead and anticipating traffic slowdowns, all contribute to burning through fuel at a more prodigious rate.
With that in mind, the UK is considering adding an eco-friendly driving section to their L-test (beginner's exam) that would grade the student on everything mentioned above, including shutting off the engine when stopped in hold-ups. All these skills are currently required of driving instructors in the UK, so it would seem to be a reasonable skill expected of novice drivers.
If and when these new criteria are enacted is up in the air, but considering the deplorable state of driver's testing here in the States, we'd like to see similar requirements put on new drivers as well as people renewing their license. Then again, if we were kings, we might include an IQ test before allowing people to get behind the wheel.
[Source: AutoExpress]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
DKB_SATX 11:53AM (11/07/2006)
We need to work on having driving tests that actually require the examinee to demonstrate driving skills before we concern ourselves with testing for "green" skills. A skill-free idiot can save fuel by driving a Prius, but the Prius won't drive itself.
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DriftPunch 1:32PM (11/07/2006)
Nice idea, but the wrong place for it... If UK fuel prices don't force these habits, unenforcable items tagged to licensing will not either.
Sounds like another politican or grandstanding bureaucrat is trying to make him/herself look attentive to the public.
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Phil L. 1:12PM (11/07/2006)
Green driving? I grew up doing my own mechanical work - and paying for my own gas. So I quickly figured out how to maximize every gallon - and also learned that the right driving style combined with down-the-road planning minimizes brake wear. When I changed out a clutch for the first time, I stared and it and said "Aha! Now I understand exactly how it works - and how I can make it last just about forever" (the first clutch on my current daily driver went over 200K miles).
I'd like to think most of these skills are common sense for those willing to pay attention. Of course, too many young drivers don't see the fuel total - or the repair shop bill. This is probably a good move for those folks.
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N Z K 6:46PM (11/07/2006)
Shutting off the engine during traffic stops? Not advisable in the American South.
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