Environment, Economy and Eco-Driving
What this domain tests
This domain covers fuel-efficient driving, emissions, vehicle economy and how planning reduces both cost and environmental impact. It rewards practical techniques rather than slogans.
Core rules
- Drive smoothly: accelerate progressively, keep a steady speed, and look far ahead to avoid unnecessary braking.
- Use the highest practical gear and the engine's torque band. Avoid over-revving and unnecessary idling.
- Keep tyre pressures correct and remove unnecessary weight or aerodynamic drag. A soft tyre raises fuel use and wear.
- Plan routes and deliveries to avoid detours, congestion and repeated cold starts. Combine stops where possible.
- Use engine brakes and retarders correctly, maintain the vehicle to reduce emissions, and keep AdBlue and exhaust-treatment systems working.
- Observe local environmental and low-emission zones and follow toll and access rules for heavy vehicles.
Worked example
You are 2 km from a red light and a queue. Lifting off early and rolling to the queue in gear uses less fuel than accelerating to the line and braking hard. The same principle applies downhill: use the retarder and a suitable gear instead of riding the brakes.
Traps that cost marks
Thinking idling saves fuel on short stops. Ignoring tyre pressure because the lorry still drives. Using a lower gear than needed for the road speed. Planning only the shortest route, not the most efficient one for a heavy vehicle.
Key points
- Smooth acceleration and anticipation cut fuel use and wear.
- Use a suitable high gear and avoid unnecessary idling.
- Correct tyre pressure improves economy and safety.
- Plan routes and stops to avoid congestion and cold starts.
- Keep exhaust treatment and AdBlue systems functioning.