Partners ‘rated the most annoying passengers’ survey says

New research by Money Expert has found that, when it comes to driving, family ties apparently count for little among British drivers, as seven in 10 people consider themselves better drivers than family and friends. When asked about their mum, only 16 per cent rate them a good driver. One in 10 people would also go as far to say that they wouldn’t let their mum, partner, child or best friend drive their car if they were insured to do so, with the most popular reason being that they’re most likely to crash.

When it comes to having passengers in the car – partners take the crown for most annoying, with over a quarter (28 per cent) saying they have the worst habits. Leaving rubbish from snacks and drinks in the car comes out on top as the biggest annoyance for just under a third of Brits (30 per cent), closely followed by over a quarter (28 per cent) finding it annoying when their passenger doesn’t give them enough time for directions meaning they miss an exit. Telling someone to look at something while they’re concentrating on the road rounds out the top three with 27 per cent.

Meanwhile, Money Expert has also compiled a list of phrases you may hear while driving and suggests this is the sure-fire way to know if you have a backseat driver in the car. You’ll likely have one with you if you hear any of the following phrases:

1. ‘You should’ve gone the other way!’ (27 per cent)
2. ‘Aren’t you a bit close to the car in front?’ (25 per cent)
3. ‘You were close to that cyclist’ (18 per cent)

Over half (55 per cent) of UK drivers have actively avoided giving someone a lift in their car because of a potential passenger’s habits. Excuses range from vaguely telling somebody they’re just not available (47 per cent), running too late from work (23 per cent), as well as a fifth (19 per cent) having even faked an illness.

Even though restrictions are now starting to ease in the UK, almost half (48 per cent) of drivers have found themselves driving less than when lockdown was at its strictest. This suggests that people are now leaving their car for essential journeys and finding alternative travel where possible.

While backseat drivers can be annoying for many, it seems that lockdown has caused many of us to reflect and, in many cases – miss them. 37 per cent are just happy to have the company again. 2 in 5 realised they like the passenger more than they thought they did, 38 per cent believe that the nagging actually made them a better driver and over a quarter (28 per cent) took a look at themselves and realised that they were actually just being irritable.

Money Expert’s CEO Jason Smith says, “Backseat drivers are a pain for almost every driver and while many trust their own driving ability, it’s interesting that they’re not so trusting of friends and family! This research shows that many drivers’ habits have changed since before lockdown to now. This provides an opportunity to get over lockdown apathy and save money on your car insurance renewal by comparing and finding a deal that rewards things like decreased mileage or keeping your car on your driveway for most of the time.”