LEEDS, UNITED KINGDOM -- (Marketwire) -- 09/14/12 -- New research shows that British motorists will pay as much as GBP 38 billion in road taxation by the end of 2012.(i) With car tax getting more expensive motorists may be looking for other ways to save money. Becoming a better driver can help you save money.

Asda Money offers top tips to motorists looking to improve their driving ability.

Speed

Being able to effectively control your speed will dramatically help towards improving your driving skills. You should always drive within speed limits and 20mph or lower in pedestrian areas.

Driving over speed limits causes road accidents and will put you, passengers and other road users at risk. To maximise fuel efficiency, it would be advisable to accelerate and brake slowly as doing so quickly uses more fuel. Improve your driving skills by allowing plenty of time to arrive at your destination. If you feel you are going to be late, pull over and inform someone you will not be on time.

Beware of other road users

When driving it is important to watch out for other road users. Motorists should expect people, bikes and even animals to possibly make an appearance on the road in front of them. Always concentrate when driving and keep alert. To improve your skills use all your mirrors and always double check at junctions for potential traffic, people or animals.

Legal requirements and fines

Being aware of legal requirements and the consequences you could face may help to improve your skills as a driver. Car insurance, for example, is a legal requirement; so too is having tyres with a minimum tread depth of 1.6mm. Having bald tyres carries a fine of GBP 2,500. Worn brakes and broken lights; using a mobile phone are also finable offences.(ii)

Switch vehicles

In an effort to ensure that you are putting your driving skills to the test, it could also be worth driving a different vehicle every now and then. This allows you to work on your skills as a driver rather than a specific vehicle. Driving a range of models and makes as well as transmissions could greatly improve your driving skills.

Notes to editors

(i) RAC Foundation http://www.motoring.co.uk/car-news/motorists-are-easy-target-for-the-taxman_47007

(ii) Source: Highways Agency http://www.highways.gov.uk/knowledge/documents/HI_mag_small_version.pdf

About Asda Car Insurance

--  5 star Defaqto rating 
--  Breakdown and legal cover included as standard 
--  Cover starts from GBP 261(i) 
--  Multi-car cover, for up to 4 cars and people (subject to underwriting
    criteria) 
--  A courtesy car as standard following an event that is covered by your
    policy 
--  10% online discount 

Optional No Claims Discount protection if you hold 4 or more years No Claims Discount.

For vehicles under 8 years of age. Applies to comprehensive policy only. Cover is added on the first day the policy starts or renewal date.

(i)10% of all customers buying car insurance with us from 1st Jan 2012 to 30th April 2012 paid GBP 261 or less. Source: Southern Rock Insurance Company Limited. The premium you pay will depend upon individual circumstances, cover chosen and driving history.

Asda Money is a trading name of Asda Financial Services Limited. Asda Financial Services Limited uses a selection of companies to provide its products and services. Please refer to www.ASDA.com/money for details of our product partners and the relevant terms and conditions for each of our products and services.

Asda Car Insurance is a trading style of Asda Financial Services which is an Introducer Appointed Representative of Commercial Vehicle Direct Insurance Services Ltd, who are authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority (Firm reference No. 302216). Commercial Vehicle Direct Insurance Services Ltd registered in England and Wales number 04137311. Registered office: MMT Centre, Severn Bridge, Aust, Bristol BS35 4BL.