Driving Tips

Eco Driving

It is getting more expensive to run a car especially with the current price of fuel. You can improve your fuel consumption by adopting a “greener” approach to your driving. Driving with empathy for the car, fuel consumption and the environment.

A regularly serviced engine (as per manufacturer’s recommendation) will optimise fuel/engine performance and in the long run will save money on fuel and increase the life of the engine.

Your tyres should be kept to the manufacturer’s recommended pressure. Too low and extra road surface contact will create drag and the friction will reduce fuel consumption. The life of the tyre will be reduced. Too high and the tyre will wear excessively in the middle and give a less comfortable drive.

Avoid carrying unnecessary items in the car. More weight equals more fuel. The faster you travel the more air resistance. This in turn leads to increased use of fuel.

Eco-driving is now being recorded on driving tests. Your ability to drive smoothly avoiding excess acceleration and braking. Using engine braking where appropriate. Using the gears in a controlled manner at the correct speed to optimise their use. Planning ahead and anticipating problems to avoid any late or over reaction. The outcome of a driving test will not be effected. However this is a pilot scheme and could well be introduced as part of the test in the future.

Roundabouts

Emerging on to a busy roundabout can be a confusing experience. Who’s going where and when? There is a basic rule. You give way to your right ­- and so does everybody else!! Vehicles already on the roundabout will block the flow of oncoming traffic and you may have the opportunity to move forward. Watch their speed and steering, with practise you will get to recognize their intention earlier.

Road Safety

Too many drivers forget the basic courtesy of signalling and sadly you cannot guarantee the accuracy of the signal even if they do signal. Their speed and direction are the only sure way of knowing what they are doing. If in doubt ­- don’t!

Additional Passengers

Examiners are examined. You could have a supervising examiner sitting in on your driving test as well as your instructor/observer on test. It would be a good idea to experience somebody in the back of the car in addition to your instructor as part of your training. You will get the feel of the heavier car and how it affects steering, acceleration and braking.