Environmental and Fuel-Efficient Driving
What the exam tests
This domain tests driving and vehicle-management choices that cut fuel use and emissions without compromising safety or traffic flow.
Core rules
- Accelerate smoothly and use the highest safe gear; avoid harsh braking and unnecessary revving.
- Anticipate traffic and lift off early rather than accelerating to a red light. Smooth driving saves more fuel than small speed changes.
- Keep tyres at the recommended pressure. Under-inflation increases rolling resistance and heat; over-inflation reduces grip and wears the centre tread.
- Remove unnecessary roof racks and weight. A loaded rack increases aerodynamic drag, especially at highway speed.
- Switch off the engine during long waits where it is safe and legal; idling wastes fuel and increases emissions.
- Plan the route, combine trips and avoid congested periods where possible. Use air conditioning wisely; it adds load to the engine.
Worked example
On a highway you can safely reduce from 120 km/h to 100 km/h. Fuel consumption falls because aerodynamic drag rises sharply with speed, but you must not obstruct faster traffic or drop below a posted minimum. Reason: the saving comes from lower drag and steadier throttle, not from coasting in neutral, which reduces control.
Traps
Coasting in neutral to save fuel; over-inflating tyres; leaving the engine idling for long periods; carrying an empty roof rack; accelerating hard to a red light.