DVSA Eco-Friendly Driving and Vehicle Loading 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which driving technique most effectively reduces fuel consumption?
- Accelerating hard to reach the speed limit quickly then coasting
- Driving in the highest appropriate gear at a steady speed (Correct answer)
- Keeping the engine revs as high as possible
- Using the brakes frequently to control speed
Correct answer: Driving in the highest appropriate gear at a steady speed
Driving in the highest suitable gear at a smooth, steady speed minimises fuel consumption and engine wear.
Question 2: How does an incorrectly inflated tyre affect fuel consumption?
- It has no effect on fuel consumption
- Under-inflated tyres increase rolling resistance and raise fuel consumption (Correct answer)
- Over-inflated tyres always increase fuel consumption
- Tyre pressure only affects braking, not fuel use
Correct answer: Under-inflated tyres increase rolling resistance and raise fuel consumption
Under-inflated tyres have a larger contact patch and higher rolling resistance, forcing the engine to work harder and burn more fuel.
Question 3: What effect does carrying unnecessary weight in your vehicle have?
- It improves stability and fuel economy
- It increases fuel consumption and tyre wear (Correct answer)
- It has no measurable effect on a modern car
- It only affects handling, not fuel use
Correct answer: It increases fuel consumption and tyre wear
Every extra kilogram the engine must move requires more fuel, so removing unnecessary items from the boot reduces running costs.
Question 4: A roof rack with no load fitted to your vehicle will:
- Improve fuel economy by reducing drag underneath
- Increase fuel consumption due to extra aerodynamic drag (Correct answer)
- Have no effect on performance or fuel use
- Reduce tyre wear
Correct answer: Increase fuel consumption due to extra aerodynamic drag
Even an empty roof rack creates additional aerodynamic drag, which forces the engine to work harder and increases fuel consumption.
Question 5: At what engine action do vehicles typically use the most fuel?
- Steady cruising on a motorway
- Idling at traffic lights for extended periods and heavy acceleration (Correct answer)
- Engine braking downhill
- Driving at 20 mph in a residential zone
Correct answer: Idling at traffic lights for extended periods and heavy acceleration
Excessive idling and harsh acceleration both burn disproportionately large amounts of fuel compared to smooth, progressive driving.
Question 6: What is the most eco-friendly action to take when you know you will be stationary for more than a couple of minutes?
- Switch to neutral but keep the engine running
- Turn the engine off (Correct answer)
- Keep the engine running to warm the cabin
- Rev the engine gently to avoid it stalling
Correct answer: Turn the engine off
Switching the engine off when stationary for more than a minute or two prevents unnecessary fuel burn and reduces exhaust emissions.
DVSA Eco-Friendly Driving and Vehicle Loading 1
Which driving technique most effectively reduces fuel consumption?