Eco driver training could yield 9% annual fuel savings

Analysis of 1,900 on-road coaching sessions shows substantial fuel savings when incorporating eco techniques into standard driver training courses.

The initiative integrates the Energy Savings Trust (EST) training methods into AA DriveTech’s courses with each driver completing two laps of a pre-defined road circuit.

Comparative fuel economy figures and average speed figures are recorded both before and after the driver receives practical and easy to follow coaching; each driver is given a driver report to show what they achieved on the day.

With an average saving of 9% on fuel costs, EST says a typical business driver covering 12,000 miles a year could expect to see annual savings between £180 and £210.

Research by EST on pilot schemes showed that 99% of drivers found the techniques learned during the training to be useful for their day-to-day driving, with many achieving much higher savings than expected on the day.

Andy Wheeler, head of the Training Academy with AA DriveTech, said: “An immediate fuel saving of 9% is a great result as our programme is focused on ‘real world’ training in real-life driving situations. Our coaching techniques are completely practical and also deliver additional safety benefits due to the increased focus by drivers on anticipating the driving hazards ahead.”

Bob Saynor, EST driver training consultant, added: “We’re delighted to achieve these figures and it’s completely consistent with our expectations. By building an eco-component into their core driver training, AA DriveTech has started to educate drivers about eco driving skills and delivering safety messages at the same time.”