Even though they’re the most recent generation to have passed their driving test, young drivers are already letting dangerous habits creep in to their everyday motoring.
For instance, according to a survey of 1,000 18 to 26-year-olds, nearly a third – 31% – admit to either filming, taking pictures or both while behind the wheel.
Depressingly, 57% of this group admit to posting the photo or video online to a social media channel for likes.
Downward spiral
The research by road safety charity IAM RoadSmart also reveals that one in six young drivers text while driving and most worryingly, one in 20 have headed out on to the road under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Meanwhile, one in six young motorists say they have driven in excess of 90 miles per hour. Speed merchants should remember that if you’re caught traveling at 90mph, expect up to six points on your licence. And if you’ve only been driving for less than two years, that six points is enough for your licence to be revoked.
Other bad habits while behind the wheel include racing friends, applying makeup, letting someone change gears for you, driving without a seat belt and many more – check out the full list below.
Self deluding
Astonishingly, despite such damning survey results, nine in 10 of the young drivers polled say they consistently follow the rules of the road. That’s quite the lack of self awareness.
Sadly, these drivers should remember that, according to the Department of Transport, one in five drivers crash within the first year of their driving test. Worse still, almost 5,000 people were seriously injured or killed in a crash involving a young driver in 2022.
Top 20 bad habits of young drivers since passing their test
- Eating while driving
- Driving while tired
- Speeding
- Got road rage (i.e., showing aggressive behaviour such as shouting, honking the horn, flashing lights in anger at another driver)
- Changing lanes without indicating
- Distracted driving due to passengers
- Driven despite weather warnings advising not to
- Texting while driving
- Using a phone to make or take a call without a hands-free device
- Driving without wearing a seatbelt
- Going through red lights
- Driving with headphones on
- Let someone else change gears for you
- Driven a vehicle I knew had a defect that could impact on my safety
- Racing friends
- Let someone else hold the steering wheel while driving
- Applying makeup
- Overloading the vehicle which restricted rear mirror views
- Tailgating
- Drink/drug driving.
Know Your Code
Double your chances of theory test success with Theory Test Pro. Sign up for free here.