Eco-driving Module Training Sessions at Malaysian Driving Schools: A Collaborative Project between MGTC & UTM

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The Eco-Driving Module Development Program was a workshop in which the objective was to teach drivers the ways of eco-driving that will help to save both the environment and mankind. It was a collaborative project between Malaysia Green Technology and Climate Change (MGTC) and Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM).

The project leader is IR. Dr. Mohd Azman Abas and Mr. Mohd Rozi Mohd Perang is the project manager. Dr. Kew Si Na, on the other hand, is the leader of task 3 who leads the team to complete the eco-driving content design and come out with the eco-driving training module.

Task 3 Team

To implement the eco-driving training module in a real setting, a total of three popular driving schools in Malaysia were selected to participate in the workshops – Institut Memandu Kami Sdn. Bhd. in Rawang, Pusat Latihan Pandu Cemerlang Sdn. Bhd. in Penang, and Pusat Latihan Memandu Berjaya in Johor on 23rd, 24th and 30th November 2022 respectively. All three sessions were held physically in the classrooms of the driving schools, where the participants who were involved were driving instructors and lecturers at their respective driving schools.

Mr. Farique was invited as the instructor to deliver the lessons to the participants on the subject of eco-driving about its background, advantages, consequences if the masses do not adopt the eco-driving driving style, what Malaysia and other nations are doing about eco-driving, as well as the eight elements of eco-driving.

Aside from teaching the topic, the instructor generously shared his driving experiences with the audience and emphasized the importance of eco-driving as he did so. Before the end of the workshops, the participants were arranged for an eco-driving demonstration, in groups of three to four, around the compound where they were shown the practice of eco-driving in real life.

Eco-driving training session

Car Demonstration

During the Q&A sessions which took place at the end of each workshop, the participants were engaged in the sessions and took the opportunity to raise any questions that are related and relevant to the workshop. They mainly inquired about the eight elements of eco-driving and wanted clarifications on topics such as – “Is there a specific speed we have to drive in in order to maintain a constant speed of vehicles?”, and “How can race-car drivers adhere to the eco-driving driving style?”.

To these questions, the instructor replied that “Regarding the specific speed to drive in to maintain a constant speed, it depends on the road conditions.” He further emphasized the importance of knowing the appropriate time to judge and use eco-driving, as if a driver is driving at a roundabout, it’s impossible for them to adhere to the ‘constant speed’ rule. As for race-car drivers, if they adhere to the ‘early deceleration’ and ‘smooth acceleration’, two of the eight elements of the eco-driving driving style, they can adhere to the eco-driving driving style just as easily as any other normal drivers on the road.