DVSA Environmental Awareness 4

Question 1

What gear should you typically be in when driving at a steady speed on a flat road for maximum fuel efficiency?

Accepted Answer

The highest appropriate gear for your speed

Answer

Driving in the highest appropriate gear keeps engine revs low, reducing fuel consumption. However, the engine should not struggle or labour — select the gear that allows smooth, comfortable progress.

Question 2

How can air conditioning affect your fuel consumption?

Accepted Answer

Using air conditioning increases fuel consumption, especially at lower speeds

Answer

Air conditioning puts an additional load on the engine, increasing fuel consumption by up to 10% in urban driving. At higher speeds, it is more efficient than opening windows, which creates drag.

Question 3

What is the Clean Air Zone (CAZ)?

Accepted Answer

An area in certain UK cities where polluting vehicles may be charged a fee to encourage cleaner transport

Answer

Clean Air Zones are areas in UK cities (such as Birmingham, Bath, and Bristol) where vehicles that do not meet emission standards are charged a fee. They aim to improve air quality in polluted areas.

Question 4

What should you do with your vehicle's engine when stopped in traffic for an extended period?

Accepted Answer

Switch off the engine to reduce emissions and save fuel

Answer

If you expect to be stationary for more than a minute or two, switch off the engine. This saves fuel and reduces emissions. Many modern vehicles have stop-start systems that do this automatically.

Question 5

How can you reduce fuel waste when going downhill?

Accepted Answer

Ease off the accelerator early — modern fuel-injected engines use zero fuel when the throttle is closed in gear

Answer

Modern fuel-injected engines cut fuel supply when the throttle is closed and the car is in gear. Using engine braking downhill uses zero fuel, whereas coasting in neutral still uses fuel for idling.

DVSA UK Driving Theory Practice Test

DVSA UK Driving Theory Practice Test

DVSA Environmental Awareness 4