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Guide

Eco-driving and the environment

The habits that cut fuel use, which are mostly the same habits that make you safer.

1 min read · Irish driver theory test

Almost everything that saves fuel also reduces risk, which is why the test asks about it.

Anticipate instead of braking

Every unnecessary braking event throws away fuel you have already burned to build that speed. Reading the road far enough ahead to lift off rather than brake is the single biggest saving available, and it also means you are never surprised.

Steady speed

On a motorway, hold a steady speed at or below the limit with a good gap ahead. The accelerate-brake cycle is what costs fuel. Following a truck closely to slipstream is both dangerous and illegal.

Tyres

Under-inflated tyres increase rolling resistance, so they cost fuel — and they also lengthen braking distances and wear out at the shoulders. Check pressures monthly when cold.

Weight and drag

Take unnecessary weight out of the car, and take the roof rack or box off when you are not using it. Aerodynamic drag rises with the square of speed, so a roof box costs far more at 120 km/h than at 50.

Idling

If you will be stationary for more than a minute or two, switch the engine off. Idling burns fuel for zero distance, and modern engines restart with negligible wear.

Disposal

Take used engine oil to a civic amenity site or a garage that accepts it. One litre contaminates an enormous volume of water, and disposal sites take it free of charge.

PassDrive is independent study material, not affiliated with the Road Safety Authority. The Rules of the Road and the law are the authority; book the real test only at theorytest.ie.
Practise it

Now answer the questions on it

Reading a rule is not the same as getting the question on it right. Try the free questions here, or take the whole bank in the app.