Driving test candidates will face questions on the environmental impact of cars when sitting their theory exams from September 3.

The multiple choice test will increase from 35 to 50 questions to allow candidates to be examined on their knowledge of “eco-driving” techniques for reducing fuel consumption and harmful emissions. The pass mark will be 43 and the cost of the test will increase from £21.50 to £28.50.

The extended test will also include questions on unlicensed and uninsured driving, new motorway signs and first aid.

The Driving Standards Agency is considering assessing a candidate’s ability to use a minimum amount of fuel in the driving test.

Since 2005, driving instructors have been required, in their qualifying exam, to “reflect increased awareness and need for economically/environmentally friendly driving”. In tests conducted by the agency, motorists trained in eco-driving reduced their fuel consumption by an average of 8.5 per cent. The key to being a “green motorist” is to drive as smoothly as possible, avoiding harsh and aggressive acceleration and braking. Rather than braking, drivers should take their feet off the accelerator and, without changing gear, allow the engine to slow the car. Modern cars use very little fuel while coasting.

Many drivers do not realise that improved engine technology has made it possible to move much more rapidly to a higher gear. For petrol-driven cars, it is more efficient to shift up before 2,500rpm; for diesel cars before 2,000rpm. It is also no longer necessary to move up and down through all the gears. Missing out gears by changing straight from second to fourth or from fifth to second will usually save fuel.

The agency is keen to convey the message that eco-driving is also safer because it involves adhering to speed limits. A new chapter on eco-driving in the handbook for new drivers includes the advice: “Vehicles travelling at 70mph use up to 30 per cent more fuel to cover the same distance as those travelling at 60mph.”

Drivers will also use less fuel if they scan all around and as far ahead as possible, spotting in advance anything that may be a hazard and adjusting their speed accordingly.

Avoiding aggressive acceleration or braking should double a tyre’s life to 40,000 miles. The agency’s advice includes tips on parking, such as reversing into a space to allow an easy exit. This is because manoeuvring when the engine is cold uses a lot of fuel. It suggests removing roof racks when not in use. The drag on a roof box can increase fuel consumption by 15 per cent.

The European Climate Change Programme has calculated that if drivers across the European Union adopted eco-driving, they would save 25 billion litres of fuel and reduce carbon dioxide emissions by at least 50 million tons by 2010. Learner drivers in Germany, Switzerland and Finland are already tested on eco-driving.

Road deaths rose by 33 in the year to September on the previous 12 months, according to figures published yesterday by the Department for Transport. The number of recorded serious injuries fell by 1 per cent over the same period but the DfT is conducting research to check whether police have become more likely to underestimate the severity of injuries.

Eco-driving

Sample questions

1 When a roof rack is not in use it should be removed. Why is this?
a) It will affect the suspension
b) It is illegal
c) It will affect your braking
d) It will waste fuel

2 Driving at 70 mph uses more fuel than driving at 50mph by up to...
a) 10 per cent
b) 30 per cent
c) 75 per cent
d) 100 per cent

3 What is most likely to cause high fuel consumption
a) Poor steering control
b) Accelerating around bends
c) Staying in high gears
d) Harsh braking and accelerating

4 On a vehicle, where would you find a catalytic converter?
a) In the fuel tank
b) In the air filter
c) On the cooling system
d) On the exhaust system

5 Supertrams or Light Rapid Transit (LRT) systems are environmentally friendly because
a) They use diesel power
b) The use quieter roads
c) They use electric power
d) They do not operate during rush hour

Answers 1 d) 2 b) 3 d) 4 d) 5 c)

Source: Driving Standards Agency

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