It is reported worldwide that some motorists are reverting to dangerous methods in order to try to save fuel. We will not repeat all of these idiotic measures as they can cost people their lives but include over inflating tyres, and rolling through stop signs, an illegal manoeuvre.

However, some sensible and legal advice includes; fastening the seat belt and adjusting your seat and mirrors before starting the engine makes sense. Always brake and accelerate smoothly, consider your parking options to avoid driving round and around the streets. Take off your roof rack when not in use, and if fitted to your car turn off the air conditioning, keep your speed at or below the speed limit.

Do not coast down hills; this is dangerous as is tailgating. Driving too slowly does not save fuel and over inflation of tyres and rolling though stop signs is just dangerous practice and illegal. Be sensible having an accident will certainly be more costly than any fuel saved and can be life threatening.

Roundabouts are probably the biggest challenge for any learner driver in the United Kingdom.  If you do not know how to properly navigate one, you may find yourself literally driving in circles!  For anyone who is learning how to drive for the first time on a provisional licence, roundabouts can be very daunting.  More and more driving schools are taking the time to make sure that their students are properly trained in mastering the art of roundabouts.

The biggest problem with roundabouts is the way that the roads are marked.  They also have multiple lanes of fast moving traffic and this is the most likely time that a student driver will make a mistake on their test.  Their skills have yet to be tested and being able to make a judgement call about when to merge and exit the roundabout has not been fully developed. 

Other issues on the practical test that have been identified as problematic include junctions, parallel parking, and reversing around a corner.  These four items are the ones a student driver should attempt to practice when driving with their practice partner in between formal lessons.  With the special learners plates on the vehicle other drivers will be aware that there is a student driver in the car who is possibly hesitant on the roundabout, some might be a little more willing to let the learner merge in and out as necessary.  If the new driver can master all of these skills – especially the roundabouts – they will pass their test with flying colours.