DVSA Environmental Awareness 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the most fuel-efficient way to drive?
- Accelerate hard and brake late
- Use smooth acceleration, read the road ahead, and maintain a steady speed (Correct answer)
- Drive in the lowest gear possible
- Keep the engine revving at high RPM
Correct answer: Use smooth acceleration, read the road ahead, and maintain a steady speed
Smooth, progressive acceleration, anticipating the road ahead, and avoiding unnecessary braking are the keys to fuel-efficient driving. Planning ahead reduces the need for sudden speed changes.
Question 2: How does driving at higher speeds affect fuel consumption?
- It has no effect
- Fuel consumption increases significantly — driving at 70 mph uses up to 30% more fuel than at 50 mph (Correct answer)
- Higher speeds are more fuel-efficient due to momentum
- Only diesel vehicles are affected
Correct answer: Fuel consumption increases significantly — driving at 70 mph uses up to 30% more fuel than at 50 mph
Fuel consumption increases rapidly at higher speeds due to greater air resistance. Driving at 70 mph can use up to 30% more fuel than driving at 50 mph.
Question 3: What is the purpose of a catalytic converter?
- To reduce engine noise
- To convert harmful exhaust gases into less harmful substances (Correct answer)
- To improve fuel consumption
- To filter particulates from diesel exhaust
Correct answer: To convert harmful exhaust gases into less harmful substances
A catalytic converter converts toxic gases such as carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons, and nitrogen oxides into less harmful carbon dioxide, water vapour, and nitrogen.
Question 4: Why should you avoid unnecessary engine idling?
- It only wastes a tiny amount of fuel
- It wastes fuel, increases emissions, and is illegal in some areas with a fixed penalty notice (Correct answer)
- It has no environmental impact
- Modern engines don't idle
Correct answer: It wastes fuel, increases emissions, and is illegal in some areas with a fixed penalty notice
Engine idling wastes fuel, produces unnecessary emissions, and contributes to poor air quality. Under the Road Traffic (Vehicle Emissions) Regulations, local authorities can issue fixed penalties for unnecessary idling.
Question 5: What is the benefit of keeping your tyres at the correct pressure for fuel economy?
- It makes no difference
- Correctly inflated tyres reduce rolling resistance, improving fuel efficiency by up to 2% (Correct answer)
- Only over-inflation saves fuel
- Tyre pressure only affects handling, not fuel use
Correct answer: Correctly inflated tyres reduce rolling resistance, improving fuel efficiency by up to 2%
Under-inflated tyres increase rolling resistance, meaning the engine works harder and uses more fuel. Keeping tyres at the correct pressure can improve fuel efficiency by up to 2% and extends tyre life.
Question 6: What is a ULEZ (Ultra Low Emission Zone)?
- A motorway lane for electric vehicles
- An area where vehicles must meet minimum emission standards or pay a daily charge (Correct answer)
- A zone where only bicycles are allowed
- A car-free city centre
Correct answer: An area where vehicles must meet minimum emission standards or pay a daily charge
A ULEZ is an area where vehicles must meet minimum emission standards (typically Euro 4 for petrol, Euro 6 for diesel) or their drivers must pay a daily charge. London has the largest ULEZ in the UK.
DVSA Environmental Awareness 1
What is the most fuel-efficient way to drive?