25 Sep Eco Driving
Eco Driving: How to Save Fuel and Drive More Efficiently
Eco driving means using observation, planning and smooth vehicle control to reduce unnecessary fuel or energy use while maintaining safe progress.
Efficient driving is not about crawling along or sacrificing safety.
It is about wasting less energy through:
- unnecessary acceleration;
- heavy braking;
- over-revving;
- poor gear choice;
- avoidable idling;
- excess weight;
- unnecessary aerodynamic drag; and
- poor vehicle maintenance.
Many of the habits that make driving more economical also make it smoother and more predictable.
What Is Eco Driving?
Eco driving, sometimes called fuel-efficient or eco-safe driving, is a style of driving that aims to reduce unnecessary fuel or energy consumption.
It generally involves:
- looking well ahead;
- anticipating traffic;
- accelerating smoothly;
- using appropriate gears;
- avoiding unnecessary braking;
- maintaining sensible speeds;
- keeping the vehicle in good condition; and
- avoiding unnecessary loads and drag.
The Vehicle Certification Agency advises anticipating the road and other road users so that unnecessary acceleration and braking can be reduced.
1. Look Ahead and Plan Early
One of the most effective eco-driving techniques is also one of the most important safe-driving techniques: look well ahead.
If you see:
- a red traffic light;
- a queue developing;
- vehicles braking;
- a roundabout;
- a lower speed limit;
- a junction;
- a pedestrian crossing; or
- another developing hazard,
you can ease off the accelerator sooner rather than continuing to accelerate and then braking heavily.
DVSA’s eco-driving assessment looks for planning ahead to avoid unnecessary stopping. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
2. Accelerate Smoothly
Harsh acceleration generally uses more fuel or energy than progressive acceleration.
Aim to:
- apply the accelerator smoothly;
- build speed progressively;
- avoid unnecessarily high engine revs;
- avoid repeated acceleration and braking; and
- match acceleration to the traffic ahead.
Smooth acceleration can also reduce wear on tyres and other vehicle components.
The Vehicle Certification Agency specifically recommends smooth driving and avoiding unnecessary harsh acceleration. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
3. Use the Right Gear
In a manual car, an appropriate higher gear can often reduce engine speed and fuel use.
However, there is no single engine-speed figure that is correct for every car and every situation.
Gear choice depends on factors such as:
- vehicle speed;
- engine characteristics;
- gradient;
- traffic;
- vehicle load; and
- whether you need acceleration.
Avoid:
- holding a lower gear unnecessarily;
- revving the engine excessively; and
- selecting such a high gear that the engine struggles.
DVSA expects learners to choose appropriate gears and avoid over-revving when demonstrating eco-safe driving. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
4. Avoid Unnecessary Braking
Every time you accelerate and then immediately brake, some of the energy used to gain speed has been wasted.
Looking further ahead can allow you to:
- ease off earlier;
- slow progressively;
- maintain a suitable gap;
- avoid rushing towards stationary traffic; and
- reduce unnecessary stop-start driving.
This does not mean avoiding the brakes when they are needed.
Safety always comes first.
5. Keep a Sensible Following Distance
A good following distance gives you more opportunity to respond gradually to changes in traffic.
If you follow too closely, you are more likely to:
- brake repeatedly;
- accelerate repeatedly;
- react late;
- drive less smoothly; and
- increase collision risk.
Space allows you to anticipate rather than constantly react.
6. Maintain a Smooth, Appropriate Speed
Constant unnecessary changes in speed can increase fuel or energy consumption.
Where traffic and road conditions allow, aim for smooth progress rather than repeatedly accelerating and slowing.
Remember:
- the speed limit is a maximum, not a target;
- higher speeds generally require more energy;
- air resistance rises significantly as speed increases; and
- your speed must always remain appropriate for the road and conditions.
There is no universal “most economical speed” that applies to every vehicle.
7. Avoid Unnecessary Idling
An engine that is running while the vehicle is stationary continues to use fuel and produce emissions.
Many modern vehicles use automatic stop-start systems to reduce unnecessary idling.
If your vehicle does not have this feature and you know you will be stationary for a significant period, switching the engine off may be appropriate where it is safe and practical to do so.
Do not switch off if doing so would compromise safety or prevent you from operating systems you need.
8. Check Your Tyre Pressures
Under-inflated tyres increase rolling resistance and can increase fuel consumption.
Incorrect tyre pressures can also affect:
- handling;
- braking;
- tyre wear; and
- safety.
Check tyre pressures against the vehicle manufacturer’s recommended figures.
The correct pressures may vary depending on the number of passengers or amount of luggage being carried.
9. Remove Unnecessary Weight
The more mass a vehicle has to move, the more energy it can require.
Do not carry unnecessary items permanently in the car.
Examples might include:
- heavy tools;
- sports equipment;
- unused luggage;
- boxes of stored items; or
- other equipment you do not need for the journey.
You do not need to obsess over every small item, but regularly carrying substantial unnecessary weight serves no useful purpose.
10. Remove Roof Racks and Roof Boxes When You Do Not Need Them
Roof racks, roof boxes and other external accessories can increase aerodynamic drag.
The effect becomes more important as vehicle speed increases.
If you are no longer using them, removing unnecessary external equipment can improve efficiency.
Government-backed fuel-efficiency guidance recommends reducing unnecessary weight and aerodynamic drag. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}
11. Keep the Vehicle Properly Maintained
A well-maintained vehicle is more likely to operate efficiently and safely.
Pay attention to:
- tyre pressures;
- tyre condition;
- engine oil;
- warning lights;
- brakes;
- servicing requirements; and
- manufacturer maintenance schedules.
If a warning light appears or the vehicle is not running normally, investigate rather than simply continuing indefinitely.
12. Use Air Conditioning and Electrical Equipment Sensibly
Air conditioning and other electrical systems use energy.
That does not mean you should avoid using them when they are needed.
Use heating, ventilation and air conditioning where necessary to:
- maintain visibility;
- demist windows;
- stay comfortable;
- maintain concentration; and
- drive safely.
Safety and visibility are more important than saving a small amount of fuel or energy.
Avoid leaving high-energy systems running unnecessarily once they are no longer needed.
13. Plan Your Journey
Journey planning can reduce unnecessary mileage and stop-start traffic.
Before a longer trip, consider:
- the route;
- likely congestion;
- roadworks;
- where you need to stop;
- fuel or charging requirements; and
- whether several errands can reasonably be combined.
The Highway Code recommends planning your route and ensuring you have sufficient fuel or charge for the journey. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}
14. Avoid Unnecessary Short Car Journeys
Where practical, consider whether some very short journeys could instead be:
- walked;
- cycled;
- combined with another journey; or
- completed using public transport.
This is not realistic for every journey or every person, but avoiding unnecessary car use removes fuel or energy consumption altogether.
15. Eco Driving in an Automatic Car
Automatic vehicles select gears for you, but the driver’s behaviour still has a major effect on efficiency.
You can still:
- accelerate smoothly;
- anticipate slowing traffic;
- avoid unnecessary braking;
- maintain appropriate speeds;
- avoid unnecessary idling;
- keep tyres correctly inflated; and
- reduce unnecessary weight and drag.
Some vehicles also include an economy mode that changes throttle, transmission or climate-control behaviour.
16. Eco Driving in Electric and Hybrid Cars
Eco-driving principles also apply to electric and hybrid vehicles.
Instead of reducing petrol or diesel use, efficient driving can help reduce electricity consumption and increase usable range.
Helpful habits can include:
- smooth acceleration;
- anticipating traffic;
- avoiding unnecessary high speeds;
- maintaining correct tyre pressures;
- reducing unnecessary weight and drag;
- planning charging; and
- using regenerative braking appropriately where fitted.
Electric and hybrid vehicles differ significantly between manufacturers, so learn how the systems in your particular vehicle work.
17. Safety Always Comes Before Fuel Economy
Fuel-efficient driving should never prevent you from taking necessary action.
For example:
- brake firmly if an emergency requires it;
- accelerate where necessary to deal safely with a situation;
- use lights and demisters whenever required;
- select a lower gear where the road demands it; and
- do not coast or compromise vehicle control simply to save fuel.
DVSA examiner guidance explicitly recognises that a driver may need to sacrifice fuel efficiency where necessary so that safety is not compromised. :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}
Eco Driving on the Practical Driving Test
Fuel-efficient driving is considered during the practical car test.
DVSA assesses whether you demonstrate awareness of economical and environmentally responsible driving.
Examples include:
- planning ahead to avoid unnecessary stopping;
- choosing appropriate gears;
- avoiding heavy braking where it is unnecessary; and
- avoiding unnecessary engine revving.
For the standard car driving test, the eco-driving assessment itself does not determine whether you pass or fail. However, unsafe driving associated with poor planning or control can still be marked under the relevant driving-test category. :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}
Eco Driving and Defensive Driving Work Together
The strongest eco-driving habits are also good defensive-driving habits.
Both encourage you to:
- look further ahead;
- anticipate hazards;
- maintain space;
- avoid rushed reactions;
- use the controls smoothly; and
- plan before acting.
The difference is mainly the emphasis: defensive driving focuses on reducing risk, while eco driving also considers fuel, energy use, emissions and vehicle wear.
Eco Driving Tips for Learner Drivers
As a learner, focus first on safe vehicle control.
As your basic skills become easier, practise:
- looking further ahead;
- changing gear appropriately;
- accelerating progressively;
- easing off earlier;
- avoiding unnecessary stops;
- maintaining safe space; and
- using momentum sensibly without compromising control.
Eco-safe driving should develop as part of good everyday driving rather than as a separate trick used only for the test.
Eco Driving FAQs
What is eco driving?
Eco driving is a style of driving that uses observation, planning and smooth vehicle control to reduce unnecessary fuel or energy consumption.
Does changing gear earlier save fuel?
Using an appropriate higher gear can reduce engine speed and fuel use, but there is no single ideal change-up point for every vehicle and situation.
Does hard acceleration use more fuel?
Generally yes. Smooth, progressive acceleration is normally more efficient than unnecessary harsh acceleration.
Do under-inflated tyres use more fuel?
Yes. Under-inflated tyres increase rolling resistance and can reduce efficiency as well as affecting tyre wear and handling.
Does a roof box increase fuel consumption?
It can. Roof boxes and roof racks increase aerodynamic drag, particularly at higher speeds, so remove them when they are not required.
Is air conditioning bad for fuel economy?
Air conditioning uses energy, but it should still be used when necessary for visibility, comfort and concentration. Safety takes priority over small efficiency gains.
Does eco driving apply to electric cars?
Yes. Smooth acceleration, sensible speed, anticipation and correct tyre pressure can all help reduce energy use and extend usable range.
Is eco driving part of the UK practical test?
Yes. DVSA assesses eco-safe driving during the practical car test, including planning, gear use, braking and unnecessary revving, although the eco assessment itself does not determine the overall test result.
Drive Smoothly, Plan Earlier and Waste Less Energy
Good eco driving comes mainly from anticipation and smooth control. Look further ahead, choose appropriate gears, avoid unnecessary acceleration and braking, and keep your vehicle properly maintained.
