Psychologist identifies driving “types”

According to David Moxon, a leading British psychologist, the behavior of drivers from the UK is easily predictable. He says that driving habits of Britons abroad into generally fall into four main types. Many of the problems drivers face while abroad come from these types of habits and behaviors, according to Moxon.

The majority of the population (38 per cent) are what Moxon calls Planners. Another significant group (36 per cent) are the SatNavvies. Only 14 per cent are Freewheelers and the minority of drivers, just 12 per cent, are Road Signers.

Planners are people who like to research their routes before leaving the comfort of their own homes. Most Planners use at least three advisor websites to make their driving plans and schedule their trip to include comfort breaks at specific points. Planners tend to get into less arguments with their partners while on the road, with just 54 per cent of Planners arguing with their passengers while abroad.

SatNavvies are easily identifiable by their reliance on technology to steer them in the right direction. Unfortunately for SatNavvies, any mechanical device is subject to error, although most drivers of this type are reluctant to admit it is the case with satellite navigation equipment.

Since most SatNavvies have unwarranted faith in their navigational devices, 69 per cent of them admit to arguing with their passengers over the reliability of the device. Passengers sharing a car with this type of driver are advised to relax and trust the machine. In the majority of cases it will get you where you want to go.

The Freewheeler generally tends to drive following their natural instinct. Freewheelers use neither maps nor technology to steer them, but move instinctively through crossroads. More than half of these drivers (54 per cent) get into disputes with their passenger, who would be well advised to carry a map.

RoadSigners trust neither instinct nor technology and are generally so excited to start travelling that they forget to consult a map. Most RoadSigners feel that any problems on the road can be resolved by consulting a sign. Unfortunately, signs are not always easily read in other countries, particularly in those where English is not a national language.

Approximately 70 per cent of RoadSigners end up quarrelling with their partner when driving. The best thing to do as a passenger with a RoadSigner behind the wheel is research the trip in advance.