Clause 2.3 (driver’s duties before departure and during driving)

“To ensure road safety, the driver is obliged: before departure, to check and ensure the technical serviceability and completeness of the vehicle, the correct placement and securing of the cargo; while driving, at the request of a police officer, to undergo a medical examination in the prescribed manner to determine the state of alcoholic, narcotic or other intoxication or being under the influence of medicinal drugs that reduce attention and reaction speed.”

Explanation: the question about fuel consumption checks the understanding that consumption is affected by the technical condition of the vehicle (engine, tires, filters, etc.) and the loading/securing of cargo (excess weight increases consumption), and the Traffic Rules directly require the driver to ensure serviceability and correct placement of cargo.

Clause 12.1 — 12 “Speed of movement”

“When choosing a safe speed within the established limits, the driver must take into account the road situation, the specifics of the cargo being transported, and the condition of the vehicle, in order to be able to constantly control its movement and drive it safely.”

Explanation: fuel consumption directly depends on driving speed, acceleration/braking mode, and load; the Traffic Rules require choosing speed taking into account the condition of the vehicle, road conditions, and cargo (all these factors also affect fuel economy).

Clause 22.1 — 22 “Cargo transportation”

“The mass of the cargo being transported and its distribution over the axles must not exceed the values established by the technical specifications of the vehicle. The cargo must not: endanger road users; impair the stability of the vehicle and complicate its control; block external lighting devices, reflectors, license plates and identification marks, or hinder the perception of hand signals; create noise, raise dust, pollute the carriageway and the environment.”

Explanation: knowledge about the impact of mass/loading on fuel consumption is related to the Traffic Rules requirements regarding permissible mass and correct cargo transportation (excess weight and improper distribution worsen handling and increase consumption).

Clause 31.1 — 31 “Technical condition of vehicles and their equipment”

“The technical condition of vehicles and their equipment must comply with the requirements of standards related to road safety and the rules of technical operation, as well as the instructions of the manufacturers.”

Explanation: fuel consumption depends on the technical condition (engine serviceability, fuel systems, tire pressure, etc.). The Traffic Rules directly establish the obligation for the technical condition to comply with standards and manufacturer instructions, which indirectly covers the economy/correct operation of the vehicle’s systems.

Thus, the correct answer is “All answers are correct.”, considering that by definition of the Traffic Rules, the driver is obliged to ensure the proper technical condition of the vehicle, comply with cargo transportation requirements, and choose a safe speed taking into account driving conditions and the state of the car, and all these factors collectively affect fuel consumption.

Fuel consumption is not determined by a single cause. In real driving conditions, a car constantly changes its operating mode, so fuel consumption is simultaneously affected by the vehicle itself, the road, and the driver's actions. That is why, in the test, the correct answer is the option that covers all the listed factors.

Firstly, consumption depends on the technical parameters and condition of the vehicle. Different types of engines and their settings consume different amounts of fuel, and malfunctions or poor maintenance (for example, worn filters, incorrect sensor operation, insufficient tire pressure) force the engine to work less efficiently. As a result, even at the same speed and route, a well-maintained car will use less fuel than a technically neglected one.

Secondly, speed and driving mode have a significant impact. On the highway, with steady driving, consumption is usually lower than in the city, where you have to stop and accelerate frequently. Similarly, as speed increases, air resistance and engine load increase, so consumption rises. In practice, this can be seen in the example: driving at 110 km/h can be noticeably less economical than at 90 km/h, even if the road is the same.

Thirdly, consumption directly depends on the mass of the vehicle and its load. The greater the mass, the more energy is needed for acceleration and maintaining movement, especially in urban conditions. Therefore, unnecessary cargo in the cabin or trunk causes overconsumption, and a heavier car, with the same mileage, generally consumes more fuel.

Fourthly, driving style plays a decisive role, which is consistent with the general requirements of the Traffic Rules regarding safe and predictable vehicle control. Sharp accelerations, frequent hard braking, and an "uneven" pace of movement force the engine to operate in inefficient modes. On the other hand, smooth acceleration, early speed reduction, and steady driving reduce consumption.

In addition, road and weather conditions and additional energy consumers have an effect. Uphill driving, poor road surfaces, headwinds, or cold weather increase the load on the car, and using the air conditioner or other systems also adds to the engine's workload. Even aerodynamic factors, such as open windows or a roof rack, can increase air resistance and consumption.

Therefore, the correct answer is "All answers are correct," since fuel consumption is determined by a combination of factors: the technical condition and characteristics of the car, its mass and load, speed and driving mode, driving style, and external conditions.