´ECO Driving´ is driving in a manner that reduced fuel consumption and emmisions and is to become an important part of the driving test. Below are examples of what you are expected to understand. | ||
Topic | Satisfactory | Unsatisfactory |
---|---|---|
Hazard Awareness/Planning | Identifies hazards in a timely manner allowing adequate time to respond. As a result braking and acceleration are smooth and progressive. | Consistently fails to identify hazards in a timely manner and as a result braking and acceleration is rushed and harsh. |
Compliance with Speed limits | Complies with all posted and national speed limits. Ensures that speed is always appropriate to road, traffic and weather conditions. | Consistently fails to comply with posted and national speed limits. Drives too quickly for prevailing road, traffic and weather conditions. |
Starting and moving away | Starts engine without excessive use of accelerator. Moves away from stops smoothly. | Consistently uses excessive accelerator when starting engine. Moves away from stops harshly, too quickly for conditions. |
Use of accelerator | Uses the accelerator during in normal driving in a smooth manner, co-ordinated with other controls. Demonstrates good acceleration sense. | Consistently uses the accelerator during normal driving harshly. As a result progress is made in such a way as to produce an uncomfortable ride. The stability of the vehicle is affected |
Gear selection | Uses gears sensibly and efficiently. The vehicle is always travelling in an appropriate gear for road and traffic conditions. Uses gears selectively (up and down) and selects highest suitable gear as soon as possible, without causing engine to labour. | Consistently fails to use gears effectively and efficiently. Selects inappropriate gears and does not use selective gear selection. Causes engine to over rev or labour due to inappropriate selection. |
Engine braking | Takes advantage of the effects of engine braking when appropriate. | Consistently fails to use engine braking showing an over-reliance on brakes to slow the vehicle. |
Engine power/torque | Takes advantage of the power/torque characteristics of a modern engine. Utilizes higher gears at lower engine speeds, when negotiating hazards, without causing engine to labour. | Consistently fails to take advantage of power/torque characteristics of a modern engine. Uses lower gears unnecessarily, not recognizing, when negotiating hazards, that a higher gear may be appropriate. |
Use of cruise control (when fitted) | Uses cruise control in situations where it would be appropriate without compromising road safety. | Consistently fails to use cruise control appropriately. |