As Valentine’s Day approaches, a new survey from temporary car insuranceprovider Tempcover reveals insights into how couples navigate life on the road. From arguments over who takes the wheel to the most annoying habits of your partner in the passenger seat, it turns out that love doesn’t always conquer all — especially when it comes to driving.
Who Takes the Wheel? Couples’ Driving Dynamics
The survey found that only 21% of couples share the driving equally on long trips. Instead, 41% of respondents said they are the main driver, while 38% rely on their partner. But how do couples decide who takes the wheel? Here’s how it breaks down:
- 21% say their partner drives because they prefer it
- 18% prefer to drive themselves
- 13% decide based on who feels more rested
- Only 4% take it in turns on each trip they take
For some couples, the decision isn’t always easy. More than 36% admit to arguing about who should drive, with 12% saying they bicker about it every time they hit the road for a long journey.
The Hurdles to Sharing Driving Duties
When it comes to splitting the drive, nearly 53% of couples who don’t already share the responsibility say they’ve considered it, the main barriers? One partner not enjoying long drives (25%[2]) and confidence gaps: 25% of couples say one partner is the more confident driver, while 22% believe they themselves are the more confident one.
The Most Common Driving Arguments
Even if couples hit the road without arguing over who is driving, harmony isn’t always guaranteed. The top reasons couples argue while driving include:
| What, if anything, do you argue about the most while driving together? | % of respondents |
| Speed – driving too fast or too slow. | 16% |
| Directions – we can’t agree on the best route. | 9% |
| Music or playlists – we have different tastes in music. | 9% |
| Temperature – the air conditioning or heating is never just right for both of us. | 8% |
| Navigation – one of us refuses to use the GPS or follow it. | 8% |
When asked about their partner’s most annoying driving habits, 11% cited road rage, while 10% complained about overly cautious, slow driving and 9% said their partner drives too fast.
It’s not just drivers causing frustration—passengers can be just as bothersome. Nearly 17% of respondents said their partner is the most annoying passenger on a long drive, while 19% pointed to constant, unsolicited driving advice as the most frustrating behaviour.
At Least Couples Trust Their Partner’s Driving Abilities!
Despite the disagreements, nearly 90%[3] of couples trust their partner’s driving skills overall, suggesting many could be missing out on a simple solution to reduce long-journey fatigue and bickering.
“Sharing the driving can reduce stress, improve safety, and make road trips more enjoyable,” says Claire Wills-Mckissick, temporary car insurance expert from Tempcover. “With temporary car insurance, couples can easily swap drivers without the ‘commitment’ you might have to your partner, giving them the flexibility to enjoy their journeys together.”
As Valentine’s Day approaches, Tempcover encourages couples to consider how they can better share the drive—because nothing says “I love you” like a stress-free road trip.
