Ecodriving Skills Tests

Sweden recently (end of 2007) introduced ecodriving skills testing for those applying for car licences. This testing is to be extended to truck and motorcycle licences and could be a taste of what is in store for new driver testing here in the UK.

Swedish drivers are the first in the world to undergo an examination of their eco-awareness and knowledge of environmental factors relating to driving. For example, drivers are taught that thinking ahead starts before the engine does. All cockpit checks are carried out first and the car is even put in gear and the handbrake is released before the engine is started. They are instructed in using the car engine to slow the vehicle before hitting the brakes, to drive in as high a gear as possible and to avoid aggressive acceleration.

Ecodriving instruction is not new having been used in the Netherlands and Finland for over 10 years but including ecodriving skills as part of the driving test is something in which many European countries, including the UK, are showing an interest.

Ecodriving skills are not only good for the environment but they can also bring financial benefits as they reduce fuel consumption. These driving skills can bring significant financial savings on fuel expenditure to businesses which, at a time when the cost of motoring is on the increase, can only be a good thing.

This entry was posted on Tuesday, February 26th, 2008 at 11:13 am and is filed under Car and Van Info. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.