The UK’s driving quirks revealed

• Over half (56%) of UK drivers say there is at least one thing they avoid or refuse to do whilst driving 
• Over 1.5 million drivers (3%) say they won’t turn right 
• Nearly a million (2%) refuse to reverse and one in 20 (5%) say they will never make a U-turn  

New research from Direct Line Motor Insurance unveils the most prevalent ‘quirks’ amongst UK drivers, with 56% – the equivalent of 24 million – saying they have at least one thing they refuse to do or avoid doing whilst on the road, highlighting just how particular Brits can be when it comes to their driving behaviours. 

Almost 1.5 million (3%) drivers say they avoid turning right whilst driving, whilst around 900,000 (2%) refuse to reverse. Around 5%, equating to more than 1.9 million drivers, say they will never make a U-turn. 

Table 1: Driving quirks 

Source: Direct Line Motor Insurance 

Road features are also polarising: 4% of drivers won't drive through tunnels, whilst 3% say they avoid going over bridges and another 3% avoid roundabouts – the equivalent of almost than 1.5 million drivers. At the same time, driving conditions are important for many motorists, as 6% say they won’t drive if it is windy outside and one in 10 (11%) won’t drive in the dark. 

Narrating traffic like a documentary filmmaker, refusing to drive without a hot cup of tea or coffee, insisting on total silence or driving barefoot were also amongst the respondents’ driving habits. While personal comfort and routines may seem harmless, it is important to recognise when habits could be a distraction. Drinking beverages while driving or going barefoot could impact a motorist’s ability to control the vehicle in a critical moment. Behind the wheel, the one quirk that is non-negotiable should be safety. 

A quarter (25%) of drivers say they will only drive whilst listening to a certain type of audio, such as classical, hip hop or a podcast. Older generations are much more likely to drive without music, with 12% of those over 55 saying they won’t, compared to 10% of those aged 35-54 and 8% of those aged 18-34. 

Having a driving companion splits the crowd. It’s non-negotiable for 2% of drivers who always drive with a passenger, whilst 3% refuse to drive with others in their car. Half (50%) say they prefer not to have passengers but will drive with them. 

Commenting, Matt Pernet, Head of Direct Line Motor Insurance, said: “Most drivers will know what it’s like: trying to drive on a busy motorway, in the dark, while the radio is on too loud, or the kids are squabbling in the back seats. It is no wonder so many drivers prefer specific conditions to feel safe when driving, whether that means complete silence on a journey or simply avoiding rural roads, the dark or difficult weather conditions. 

“Having no distractions whilst driving can allow drivers to feel more confident and, in turn, safer on their journeys.” 

- ENDS -

Notes to Editors: 

Research conducted by Opinium for Direct Line Insurance on a sample of 2,000 UK adults from 29^th July-1^st August 2025. Extrapolations based on 81.65% of adults driving, which is 44,251,395 drivers in the UK. 

Direct Line:

Unni Henry 

PR Manager 

Email : unni.henry@directlinegroup.com

About Direct Line 

Started in 1985, Direct Line became the first UK insurance company to use the telephone as its main channel of communication. It provides motor, home and pet insurance cover direct to customers by phone or on-line and is part of the Aviva Group. 

Customers can find out more about Direct Line products or get a quote by calling 0345 246 3761 or visiting www.directline.com/car-cover