Want a driver’s license? You’d better learn to “eco-drive”

What if, before you were allowed to get a driver’s license, you had to understand why catalytic converters are good for the environment and where they are located on a car? I’m guessing here in America we’d have a lot fewer people on the roads.

But from September of this year, that’s exactly what people seeking drivers licenses in the United Kingdom will be tested on—their knowledge of so-called “eco-driving.” The Times of London got a hold of some sample questions, which make up the pop quiz below (answers below the fold):

1. When a roof rack is not in use it should be removed. Why is this?
a) It will affect the suspension
b) It is illegal
c) It will affect your braking
d) It will waste fuel

2. Driving at 70 mph uses more fuel than driving at 50 mph by up to…
a) 10 percent
b) 30 percent
c) 75 percent
d) 100 percent

3. What is most likely to cause high fuel consumption?
a) Poor steering control
b) Accelerating around bends
c) Staying in high gears
d) Harsh braking and accelerating

4. On a vehicle, where would you find a catalytic converter?
a) In the fuel tank
b) In the air filter
c) On the cooling system
d) On the exhaust system

5. Supertrams or Light Rapid Transit (LRT) systems are environmentally friendly because…
a) They use diesel power
b) The use quieter roads
c) They use electric power
d) They do not operate during rush hour

Answers: 1. d, 2. b, 3. d, 4. d, 5. c