Wednesday 10th September 2008

New Drivers To Get 'Greener'

Eco-Driving education to be included in driving test.

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People learning to drive are to be told how to drive in a more environmentally friendly way, the Government has announced.

Following all practical tests, learner drivers will be advised by examiners how to become greener behind the wheel.

But, the Department for Transport, adds candidates will not be failed if their driving has not proved environmentally friendly enough during their test.

Transport Minister Jim Fitzpatrick said: "To help the next generation of motorists drive in a way that is better for their wallets and the environment, the driving test will now assess how successfully they follow fuel efficient and eco-safe driving advice.

"Common-sense changes can make for major improvements. Drivers can save around a month's worth of fuel each year by taking simple steps, like ensuring their tyres are correctly pumped up, changing gear earlier to keep revs low and avoiding carrying unnecessary clutter in the boot."

[Brink]

Just teach them lane discipline!

[dpbird90]

Yep, teach them lane discipline! That and how to go faster than 4mph everywhere.

[juansolo]

FFS teaching them to drive on f**king motorways would be a little more useful!

JFC, this country has gone insane.

[mister.t]

I was fortunate to pass my test under a month after my 17th about 8 months ago - I was breifed about 'greener' driving, but my instructor (and me) had more important, life-saving (so to speak) things to do I mean greener driving, FFS most people who pass their tests dont understand what the inside lane is on the motorway To me road manners, discipline, and respect is far more important than 'eco driving'

If your gonna save a month of fuel by changing gear early etc, I'll work a few hours extra each month to enjoy my car properly ta

[lodgy]

mister.t said:

If your gonna save a month of fuel by changing gear early etc, I'll work a few hours extra each month to enjoy my car properly ta

+1

[HCT]

In germany the eco stuff has become a part of the driving test long ago. But it doesn't help, learn it, take the test, tick the right boxes, forget about it. That's what most people do.

[tomTVR]

"candidates will not be failed if their driving has not proved environmentally friendly enough during their test."

Should bloody well think so, imagine your reaction if you failed on that point!

[shoestring7]

mister.t said:

who pass their tests dont understand what the inside lane is on the motorway

Its called 'Lane 1'.

But you just passed your test...

SS7

[LukeBird]

They make you change up stupidly early (read not economically!) in the test as is.
An utter load of ste, I learnt to drive a long time after my test!!

[f111lover]

Complete waste of time.

[psn]

ensuring their tyres are correctly pumped up, changing gear earlier

They're already doing this, its tested in theory tests and the practical tests what i did a year ago so what are they trying to prove?

[rockystarr]

Talk about nannying!

[topless_mx5]

"changing gear earlier to keep revs low"

Nice and stress free for the engine then...

[philiphunter]

Why not teach them something more useful?

...Like how to broadside a one litre Micra at 87mph!


I can only imagine a bunch of inebriated coffin dodgers coming up with these pathetic ideas (perhaps the same FIA stewards who would penalise F1 drivers for racing).

[Dibby]

Teach them to drive on motorways, how to use foglights correctly, how to keep a sensible distance in the wet, how to change a tyre, how to check the oil ....

First thing I did when the girlfriend passed her test was to take her out on the drive, get her to fit her own spare, not having her hanging around in the middle of nowhere waiting for the RAC to turn up

[spoorsy]

is it just me or is this country coming up with a loada rubish atm?

bumpin th cost of everything up for motorists, now teachin yah how to drive mor "eco"

if you reli cared about being green you wouldnt drive a car!!!!

[neema_T]

Dibby said:

First thing I did when the girlfriend passed her test was to take her out on the drive, get her to fit her own spare, not having her hanging around in the middle of nowhere waiting for the RAC to turn up

No offense or anything but that's quite a funny mental image, reminiscent of those 'Women- Don't expect any help on a Thursday' adverts for Nuts or Zoo, or whatever. Good idea though.

and +1 to everyone and anyone who pointed out that they should teach how to drive on the Motorway. I did my pass plus which gave me a fairly good understanding of it, but I can't for the life of me figure out why they wouldn't teach you how to drive on Motorways, in adverse weather, at night and so on and so forth in the course of a normal test and the tutoring up until that.

It's ok, though, they DO teach you how to reverse around a corner, after all.

[SethPatel]

we could save 2 months fuel or more all together if the "shoot at sight" targets in the Parliament reduced the tax on the petrol and diesel.

But that wont happen because they need to feed the bums lining outside the jobcenters each week.

[contar]

Dibby said:

Teach them to drive on motorways, how to use foglights correctly, how to keep a sensible distance in the wet, how to change a tyre, how to check the oil ....

All the above are good points to learn.
Perphaps before anyone flames this idea they should look at there own driving style. Last time I saw BMW indicators flashing was parked on double yellow lines with Hazzards on. Same for Mercs as well. Everyone who passes there test should have "updates" every few years to keep abreast of new rules, regulations and good driving styles.

I am sure BMW's are great cars but they are driven by so many d***heads I shall never own one.

Contar

[alphadog]

I dunno, see some merit to this - teaches people how to save fuel on the commute in the week to then burn on more exuberant driving at the weekend! Unless your commute involves some lightly-trafficed B-roads with lots of twisty bits, in which case what the heck, but sadly mine doesn't!