Managing a fleet means managing more than just vehicles; it’s about managing people, habits, and everyday decisions that can make or break your bottom line.
While factors like fuel prices or maintenance costs often steal the spotlight, one of the biggest influences on operational spend is something far simpler: driver behaviour.
The way your drivers accelerate, brake, idle, and plan their routes can have a major impact on fuel efficiency, vehicle lifespan, and even safety. The good news? Small, manageable changes can lead to significant savings, often without any large investment.
In this blog, we’ll explore how encouraging smarter driving habits helps reduce fuel use, lower maintenance bills, and improve fleet performance and how tools like fuel cards can help monitor and maintain those improvements.
1. Why driver behaviour matters
Aggressive driving behaviours such as harsh acceleration, excessive idling, and speeding burn significantly more fuel. According to the Department for Transport, smooth driving can cut fuel consumption by up to 15% compared to erratic habits.
Fuel is one of the highest variable costs for any business running vehicles. Even a 5% reduction in fuel use can translate into thousands of pounds saved annually across a fleet. And the biggest influencer on fuel consumption isn’t the make or model of your vehicle, it’s how it’s driven.
But the benefits don’t stop there:
Lower maintenance costs – Smooth driving reduces strain on brakes, tyres, and engines.
Fewer accidents – Calm, defensive drivers are less likely to be involved in incidents.
Improved reputation – Responsible driving reflects positively on your brand, especially for liveried vehicles.
Driver behaviour isn’t just about efficiency; it’s about control, giving your business the visibility and consistency needed to manage costs confidently.
2. The small habits that make a big difference
Improving driver behaviour doesn’t require an overhaul of your fleet operations. Often, the biggest gains come from small, consistent changes that add up over time.
Here are some key habits to encourage across your drivers:
1. Smooth acceleration and braking
Rapid acceleration and late braking are two of the fastest ways to waste fuel. By accelerating gently and anticipating traffic ahead, drivers can maintain momentum and reduce fuel burn, especially in stop-start city driving.
Encourage drivers to:
Accelerate gradually
Maintain steady speeds on motorways
Brake early and lightly instead of harsh stops
2. Reducing idling time
Idling might seem harmless, but every minute of unnecessary engine running adds to fuel costs. Modern engines use less fuel restarting than idling for long periods, so turning the engine off during long waits can lead to measurable savings.
For fleet vehicles, cutting idle time by even 10 minutes per day per driver could save hundreds of litres of fuel per year.
3. Maintaining correct tyre pressure
Under-inflated tyres increase rolling resistance, forcing the engine to work harder and use more fuel. Tyres that are just 10 PSI under-inflated can increase fuel consumption by up to 3%.
Regular checks should be part of every pre-journey inspection - saving fuel, reducing wear, and improving safety.
4. Managing speed
Driving at higher speeds burns disproportionately more fuel. For instance, driving at 70mph instead of 60mph can use up to 9% more fuel. For businesses with multiple vehicles, this difference adds up fast.
Encouraging consistent speeds also reduces the likelihood of fines, accidents, and unnecessary downtime.
5. Smart route planning
The fastest route isn’t always the most fuel-efficient. Using telematics or route-planning tools to avoid congestion and unnecessary detours can cut fuel use and reduce stress for drivers.
3. Tracking behaviour with the right tools
Improving driver behaviour starts with visibility. Without data, it’s hard to identify where inefficiencies lie or track whether habits are improving.
That’s where fuel cards can play a key role.
By using a fuel card like those offered by Right Fuel Card, fleet managers can monitor spend, spot irregularities, and link transactions to specific vehicles or drivers.
Fuel card reporting gives you:
Detailed fuel usage by driver or vehicle
Alerts for excessive spending or refuelling frequency
Insight into which stations are being used (see our UK Fuel Station Finder)
The ability to track improvements in fuel efficiency over time
When combined with telematics systems or mileage logs, this data becomes even more powerful, providing a clear picture of performance and helping to reward or retrain drivers accordingly.
4. Training and incentives that work
Changing behaviour isn’t just about rules, it’s about engagement. Drivers are more likely to adopt efficient habits if they understand the “why” and see the benefits for themselves.
Driver training programmes can help drivers learn practical, real-world techniques for saving fuel without compromising journey times. Many businesses report fuel savings of 5–10% within months of introducing eco-driving training.
You can also introduce incentive schemes that reward drivers for improvements, such as achieving MPG targets or reducing idling time. Recognising effort, not just results, helps maintain long-term change.
Simple ideas include:
Monthly recognition for most improved MPG
Small bonuses or vouchers for top performers
Friendly competitions between depots or teams
By making efficiency a shared goal, you create a culture where everyone contributes to cost savings.
5. Maintenance and monitoring go hand-in-hand
Driver behaviour has a direct impact on vehicle health. Consistent harsh braking, over-revving, or driving with low tyre pressure can all accelerate wear and tear, leading to higher maintenance bills and downtime.
Encouraging good habits protects not only your fuel budget but also your assets.
Regular maintenance checks, oil changes, filter replacements, and tyre inspections complement better driving habits to keep vehicles performing efficiently. Combining proactive driving with proper care can extend vehicle life and reduce overall running costs.
6. Combining behaviour change with smarter fuel management
Behavioural improvements are most effective when paired with practical tools that help you monitor and control fuel spend.
Right Fuel Card offers solutions that simplify fleet fuel management, including:
Access to fixed weekly fuel pricing to reduce cost volatility
Fuel cards for major brands like BP, Shell, and supermarket networks
HMRC-approved invoicing for easier VAT reclaim
Clear, easy-to-read reports to track spend by driver or vehicle
By combining better driver behaviour with smart tools, businesses can tackle inefficiencies on both sides, human and financial.
7. The real business impact
Small changes in how vehicles are driven can lead to big results:
Impact Area | Potential Improvement |
Fuel costs | 5–15% savings through eco-driving |
Vehicle wear | Reduced tyre, brake, and engine strain |
Maintenance | Lower long-term servicing costs |
Safety | Fewer incidents and lower insurance claims |
Carbon footprint | Reduced emissions and improved sustainability |
As fleets move toward a more sustainable future with electric vehicles and hybrid options on the rise, improving driver behaviour remains one of the most effective and immediate ways to make a measurable difference.
Final thoughts
Better driver behaviour doesn’t require big investments, just small, consistent changes and the right tools to track them.
By focusing on smoother driving, smarter planning, and active monitoring through fuel cards, you can reduce fuel use, extend vehicle life, and create a safer, more efficient fleet.
In an industry where every litre counts, small improvements today can deliver major savings tomorrow.
Explore our full range of fuel card solutions to help your business save time and money.
