How to be an environmentally friendly learner driver

Tina Playle - Mar 28 2022 9:26AM
How to be an environmentally friendly learner driver img

It’s more important than ever to save our planet. We all must do our bit, including learner drivers! Let’s highlight the ways in which you can be an environmentally friendly learner driver.  

Don’t use your electric devices unnecessarily

Using the in-car electrics to power your air-conditioning or heated seats can put extra strain on the car’s alternator – causing the engine to work harder! This means your fuel consumption will be higher too. So, why not wind down the windows instead of using the air-conditioning?  

Drive at or just below the speed limit

We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again, the speed limit is a recommended maximum speed you can go, not a target to reach. Speeding (which is a silly thing to do anyway) will also use more fuel than necessary, so take it easy!  

Changing gear

Also pay attention to your gears! If you’re in a low gear at high speeds, you’ll use more fuel. But a higher gear with higher speeds won’t use as much fuel, especially if you’re going at a constant speed (e.g. motorway driving). You could be doing the speed limit on country lanes but changing gears all the time – this uses more fuel!

Reducing fuel usage to be an environmentally friendly learner driver

how to be an environmentally friendly learner driver

Keep on top of your tyre checks

Keeping your tyres in good condition means they won’t suffer from “drag”, which causes your fuel consumption to increase. Spotted a trend yet?

Limit the weight of your car

No need to kick out all of your passengers right away for this one! But just be conscious of any unnecessary weight your car might be carrying, such as bike racks or just clutter in the boot. If your car is heavier, then you guessed it, you use more fuel!

Invest in an Eco-friendly car

Not everyone has the money for a hybrid or electric car, especially learner drivers. But that doesn’t mean you can’t buy a car that helps the environment! As you might have gathered from our previous tips, being an environmentally friendly driver is all about reducing fuel consumption. There are plenty of cars out there which boast low CO2 emissions and low fuel consumption – these are usually smaller cars which are especially popular with new drivers!


Climate change is very real and it’s important to band together to save our planet. Even the little actions have a huge impact if we all do it. What’s so bad about saving fuel consumption? It’ll even cost you less to be more conscious about it. For tips on staying safe on the roads, or for regular driving test tips, follow us on social media: InsureLearnerDriver Facebook | InsureLearnerDriver Twitter | InsureLearnerDriver Instagram Or if you have any other questions, visit our FAQ page or contact info@insurelearnerdriver.co.uk