From 10th September, an assessment will be made of a candidates ability to drive in a way that demonstrates recognition of the principals of 'ECO-SAFE DRIVING'.

Candidates who complete a driving test in any of the licence categories will receive feedback on their eco-safe driving skills as part of the debrief at the end of the test. They will also receive a foldout leaflet containing more detailed information to help them to drive in an economic and ecologicallly friendly manner. A revised edition of the DL25 (YOUR DRIVING TEST REPORT) will be introduced to include two eco-safe competetency headings:

Control: always try and use the vehicle controls as smoothly as possible, with particular attention to: STARTING AND MOVING AWAY, ACCELERATING, USING GEARS, DRIVING AT AN APPROPRIATE SPEED. This will reduce wear and tear on your vehicle and will help reduce co2.

Planning: reduce harmfull emissions by anticipating road and traffic conditions, acting in good time, rather than reacting to them at the last moment, especially: SHOWING HAZARD AWARENESS AND PLANNING, MAKING USE OF ENGINE BRAKING, STOPPING THE ENGINE WHEN APPROPRIATE.

Candidates WILL NOT fail their test because they do not demonstrate eco-safe driving techniques because this is seen as a matter of education. (Despatch June 2008).