Skoda Drivers Are the Most Conscientious on UK Roads — According to Themselves

Skoda drivers are the most likely to see themselves as careful, considerate and calm on the road, according to new research from car insurance provider Ageas. 

The study, which surveyed 2,000 UK motorists, used questions from the globally recognised Big Five Personality Test to explore how drivers perceive their behaviour behind the wheel. The results were then used to calculate a “Conscientious Driving Score”. 

Skoda drivers came out on top, with an average score of 29.63 out of 40 and nearly half (48%) viewing themselves as highly conscientious ^[1]. Volvo and Dacia drivers followed closely behind, with scores of 28.59 and 28.5. 

The findings point to a clear pattern: drivers of practical, reliability-focussed brands, such as Skoda, Volvo and Dacia, are much more likely to describe themselves as organised, structured and detail-focused. 

In contrast, drivers of more premium or lifestyle-oriented brands, like Land Rover and Mercedes-Benz, appear to view their driving style differently, with their responses suggesting a more relaxed or flexible approach. 

Karen Hay, Consumer Psychologist at Ageas, commented: 

“This study gives us a useful window into how different drivers see themselves behind the wheel. What comes through strongly is that drivers tend to describe their driving in ways that feel familiar and true to them, whether that’s being organised, calm, flexible or simply prepared for everyday situations. It’s a very human way of talking about driving, and it reflects the everyday habits and attitudes people bring to the road. 

These insights don’t tell us how people drive day-to-day, but they do highlight the self-perceptions and confidence people hold about their driving. Understanding that helps us communicate more clearly with different types of drivers and support them in ways that feel natural and reassuring.” 

The research also explored regional differences, finding that drivers in Belfast are most likely to see themselves as conscientious (29.1), followed by those in Glasgow (28.45) and Leeds (28.19). 

At the other end of the scale, drivers in Southampton (25.61), Brighton (25.86) and Norwich (26.02) are less likely to view themselves as conscientious. 

Encouraging safer, more thoughtful driving 

Conscientiousness is characterised by various traits including thoughtfulness, responsibility, self-control and organisation. In a driving context, these qualities can influence how motorists approach everyday situations on the road: from planning journeys and staying focused, to responding calmly in busy or unpredictable conditions. 

Drivers who see themselves as more conscientious may be more likely to exhibit behaviours such as keeping a safe distance, anticipating the actions of others and remaining patient in traffic. These habits can help create a smoother, more predictable driving environment for everyone. 

Importantly, lower scores don’t necessarily indicate unsafe driving, but rather reflect different self-perceptions, priorities and driving styles. Many factors, including experience, environment and individual circumstances, can all shape how people behave behind the wheel. 

For more information, visit the Ageas website: https://www.ageas.co.uk/solved/your-car/are-you-a-conscientious-driver/  

Photo by Grzegorz Lewandowski : https://www.pexels.com/photo/close-up-of-skoda-steering-wheel-in-car-interior-36657805/