Motorists can increase fuel efficiency 'by up to 25 per cent' by changing driving habits

A petrol pump

Both petrol and diesel prices are expected to continue rising in the coming months

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Felix Reeves

By Felix Reeves


Published: 12/09/2023

- 13:02

August saw the highest monthly petrol and diesle price increase in 23 years

More than four in 10 motorists have forgotten or don’t recall any of the key fuel efficiency vehicle tips they learnt in their driving test.

In 2008, the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) introduced the new Eco-Safe Driving assessment to help motorists think about their fuel consumption when at the wheel.


Around 35.9 million people hold a valid driving licence in England, with 22.9 million of them taking their test before 2008.

The aim of Eco-Safe Driving is to help motorists travel in a particular way to minimise the risk of accidents, as well as reduce fuel consumption and emissions output.

A petrol pump

The price of petrol and diesel now both stand above 150p per litre

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Research suggests that over half of UK drivers (56 per cent) said they want to learn more about how they can drive in a way which preserves their fuel for longer.

This comes as the latest data from RAC Fuel Watch, the price of petrol and diesel are likely to rise further in the coming weeks.

The average price of petrol in the UK is now 154p per litre, while diesel drivers will be forking out around 156.3p.

For a slight saving, motorists can head to supermarkets with petrol prices lingering around 151.57p for petrol and 153.8p for diesel.

Commenting on the need for more education about driving in a fuel-efficient way, Seb Goldin, CEO at Red Driver Training, said it was vital that drivers change their habits.

He added: “Efficient driving is not only an important contributor to road safety, but it’s also an effective way to help reduce fuel consumption whilst on the road.

“It’s a proven way of driving and something we stand by and educate all our ambitious drivers on.

“We have found that by simply adopting these driving habits, an average driver can increase their average miles per gallon by up to 25 per cent.”

Drivers can help themselves save money on fuel by avoiding motorway service stations where motorists will pay an additional 20p per litre for both petrol and diesel.

Motorists continue to be hammered with rising fuel prices after Britons saw the biggest monthly rise in 23 years last month.

Pat Rutherford, Esso UK retail sales manager, said: “We want to educate and encourage people to drive more efficiently.

“Alongside RED Driver Training, we have created this interactive course to provide useful tips for our customers to make the most of their fuel and car, and not only save on vehicle running costs, but also reduce their overall vehicle emissions.”

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A petrol station

Supermarket petrol stations are cheaper than other places on average

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A new fuel efficiency tool has been launched to help motorists change their driving habits and save on petrol and diesel costs.

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