BACK to work for many today – and back to breakdowns and difficult conditions according to the radio reports this afternoon.

It’s also back to a world of rising prices: VAT went up which means the cost of fuel has risen – I noticed that passing one of the local fuel stations today. On the 31st I put fuel in the Audi at 1.059p a litre for diesel; today it was 1.079p a litre.

So never has there been a better time to consider more fuel efficient cars or driving more efficiently.

I received my certificate for the Energy Saving Trust programme called Smarter Driving over the Christmas break – see blog 359 – Smarter driving makes business sense.

Smarter Driving helps you drive more efficiently, saving fuel. And there’s a bit more to be saved than you might think.

I managed a 25% reduction in fuel consumption having achieved 55mpg after tuition. According to the paperwork, for my 6000 miles a year Audi A6 that would equate to a saving of £180 in fuel costs. Not bad. And worth having.

As you might be aware, my son Matt has been learing to drive with DriveTech – sorry, has learned to drive. He’s now passed his test, of course. Eco driving is now very much part of the curriculum. He’s also gone on to take his Pass Plus with driving trainer and instructor Craig McCall.

There are six modules to Pass Plus – town driving, out of town driving and rural roads, motorways, dual carrigaeways, night driving, and all-weather driving. You have to cover a minimum of three, although Matt did five. They are worth doing – they give you that extra experience that’s so vital. And with Pass Plus you get a 5-15% discount on car insurance.

So there’s a lot to be said – and money to be saved – for smarter driving techniques.

But Smarter Driving can help