Eco-friendly driving is not about driving slowly: it is about driving smoothly, planning ahead, and using your car's controls efficiently. The examiner rewards gentle acceleration, progressive braking, and forward planning because these are the same skills that keep you safe and save fuel.
The core principle is anticipation. If you see traffic slowing ahead, ease off the accelerator early and let the car coast. If you brake harshly at the last moment, you waste the energy you have already built up. Smooth, progressive braking converts that energy more efficiently and reduces wear on your brakes.
ADAS features such as adaptive cruise control and eco-routing can also help efficiency, but only if you understand their limits. Adaptive cruise control keeps a safe gap to the vehicle ahead and avoids unnecessary acceleration, but you must still set a sensible speed and be ready to intervene. Eco-driving is ultimately about your choices: smooth acceleration, gentle braking, and planning ahead.
Gear selection matters. Use the highest gear that keeps the engine running comfortably without labouring. Modern cars are designed to be efficient at low revs in high gears. There is no benefit to revving the engine hard before changing up: it wastes fuel and creates unnecessary noise.
Avoid unnecessary idling. If you are stopped for more than a minute, turn off the engine. Idling burns fuel and produces emissions with no benefit. Your instructor will show you how to use start-stop systems if your car has one.
Maintaining your car also helps efficiency. Correct tyre pressure, clean air filters, and regular servicing all contribute to better fuel economy. Under-inflated tyres increase rolling resistance, which means the engine works harder and uses more fuel.