CBI: Make eco-driving mandatory on driving tests

The Confederation of British Industry (CBI) has called for fuel -efficient driving to be made a mandatory part of the UK driving test in the hope that it will reduce UK emissions and save drivers money.

As part of a report named Tackling Climate Change Closer to Home, the CBI says smooth driving and the adoption of energy-efficient practices could save motorists up to £250 a year, as well as improve motoring behaviour.

Dr Neil Bentley, CBI Director of Business Environment, says that more than a quarter of the UK’s greenhouse gases come from personal transport, half of which are cars.

He said: “Simply changing gears more smoothly to avoid sharp breaking and acceleration can reduce fuel consumption by a third. Learner drivers already have to demonstrate they can drive in a fuel -efficient way during the course of their driving test, but this is not a pass or fail element.”

Other recommendations include setting long-term limits for reducing passenger car emissions.

In other fuel news, The Fuelcard Company has backed the Road Haulage Association’s call to end transport sector fuel duty increases.

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