The way L plate drivers are taught is changing and a Kent instructor says if we all change our driving habits we can save cash as well as the environment.

New regulations mean pupils must know how to drive in an eco-friendly way.

Tony Simcock, director of both the Big Red L and the Big Red Fleet companies in Folkestone, said it's nothing new.

“Most instructors have been teaching this for many years now," he said. "A well driven car can save around 10 to 15 per cent in fuel consumption over a badly driven car, so the savings in fuel alone are great. But the savings in emissions are also very important.

“Safe driving is green driving and Britons have always been pretty high up the league tables of safety. We have had one of the lowest emission rates for many years.”

This is Mr Simcock's top tip for eco-friendly driving.“When approaching a roundabout, many people would stop. If they just ease off the gas a little bit earlier and approach it with very good observations - right, left and straight ahead - they should be able to get onto most roundabouts without stopping and that in itself will save quite a degree of fuel.”