August update from AA DriveTech

Over 9% fuel saving achieved as AA DriveTech and Energy Saving Trust (EST) implement ‘real world’ eco driver training

Initial analysis of nearly 1,900 on-road coaching sessions show drivers can achieve over 9% fuel savings (9.4%#) when incorporating eco techniques into their standard driver training courses.

The initiative integrates the EST training methods into AA DriveTech’s courses, with each driver completing two laps of a pre-defined road circuit which simulates a full range of common driving scenarios.

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

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

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.