Classification of the Energy Efficient Driving Courses

Driving schools around Finland offer various kinds of training though which company employees and individual motorists can learn how to drive more safely and more economically, also with regard to energy efficiency. Such training typically begins with an assessment of drivers’ present driving habits, after which trainers guide learners through the necessary skills training. Learners can monitor their own progress using driving simulators that indicate the impacts of different ways of driving on fuel consumption rates.

Advanced training is more cost-effective to organise for larger groups such as the personnel from a single workplace, but training tailored to individual drivers is also available around Finland.

Motiva has defined specific criteria to categorise the different types of energy efficient driving courses offered around Finland. This classification system includes minimum requirements for the inclusion within courses of training designed to improve energy efficiency, reduce environmental impacts and enhance road safety.

Energy efficient driving courses are categorised into four levels:

• Level A: professional training in line with the EU Driver Training Directive (7 hours)
  * theory + practical
• Level B: Basic courses for frequent drivers
  * theory + practical (leading to demonstrable change in fuel consumption before and after)
• Level C: Demonstration courses
  * theory + brief practical (no change in fuel consumption)
• Level D: Brief presentations outlining the most important techniques
  * only theory