Over 60% of drivers feel under-prepared for the road even after passing their driving test

New research by Liberty Insurance shows almost half of unconfident drivers have experienced anxiety while behind the wheel.

Half of all drivers under 30 do not feel confident when driving in certain places or performing particular manoeuvres, like reverse parallel parking and using major roundabouts with multiple exits.

Only 40% of all drivers claim to be ‘very confident’ in these areas.

In addition to a lack of confidence in their own ability, 70% of drivers think that Irish roads are more hazardous than they were a decade ago. This opinion is higher among females (81%), older drivers aged 55 - 64 (76%) and residents of Connacht/Ulster (79%).

Among Irish drivers that lack confidence on the road, feelings of nervousness have been experienced by 60% when behind the wheel, while almost half (49%) have experienced anxiety. 

Overall, women drivers are less confident than their male counterparts; under 30 drivers are the least confident of all age groups; and the country’s least confident drivers are from Connacht/Ulster.

Commenting, Deirdre Ashe, Director of Personal Lines at Liberty Insurance, said: “The results of this survey show that as a country, we currently lack confidence in our driving abilities and feel increasingly unsafe on our roads.

“In many ways, this isn’t entirely surprising. Our roads are busier than ever before, with more distractions for drivers, like smartphones.

“In short, our findings demonstrate the importance of the ongoing collaboration between government and industry in the promotion of safer driving, particularly among younger drivers and in regional areas with less developed infrastructure.”