New driving lessons launched to help passengers be less annoying

A study of 2,000 drivers has revealed the most frustrating passenger behaviours, including complaining, blocking mirrors, and reaching for an imaginary brake. Other top annoyances include littering in the car, meddling with the radio, watching loud videos on their phone, resting feet on the dashboard, and shouting out warnings about other cars.

Despite 69% of men believing they're good passengers, 17% of women would label their partner as irritating. Consequently, 43% of couples confessed that their car journeys often result in disputes, with 19% giving each other the silent treatment afterwards.

Interestingly, six out of ten men prefer to be behind the wheel, with 45% considering themselves superior drivers compared to their partners, and 42% enjoying being in control. However, this changes when 32% of men fancy a drink and encourage their partner to take on the role of designated driver.

Marc Pell, managing director for Tempcover, the temporary insurance provider which commissioned the research, commented: "There's never been formal guidance on how to be a good passenger, and that can lead to real tension, especially between couples."

The firm is now offering the world's first Passenger lessons from PSM Driving School. "We're hoping some passenger lessons will help people rethink their passenger habits and improve the in-car dynamic," he added.

A recent study has highlighted the driving dynamics within relationships, with findings suggesting that men typically dominate the driving seat. Mark explained: "Our research shows that in many relationships, men do most of the driving but this is a way to flip the usual driving roles - letting a partner take the wheel so they can learn to be a princely co-pilot, letting go and discovering the joy of being chauffeured."

The poll also uncovered common grievances passengers have, such as loud phone conversations, which annoy 31% of people, and giving inaccurate directions, which frustrates 25%. Additionally, a quarter of respondents are irked when passengers interfere with the steering wheel or other car components.

For 15% of men they don't like their partner driving, and for 20% of men, they do the driving as part of their agreed-upon couple 'chore split', according to the OnePoll.com figures.

Moreover, the research shed light on the negative effects of poor passenger behaviour, with 42% of women admitting it makes them tense and 19% experiencing anxiety about driving again. A significant 63% of women also find backseat drivers condescending.

Paul Middleton, owner and driving instructor at PSM Driving School, commented on the findings: "Poor passenger etiquette can really knock a driver's confidence - especially in relationships."

He further noted the impact of negative passenger habits: "From backseat driving to constant complaints, it's often the little habits that make journeys more stressful than they need to be."

Middleton expressed enthusiasm for the opportunity to address these issues through professional instruction: "We're excited to offer lessons from our professional driving instructors, helping people unlearn unhelpful behaviours and become passengers who support, not stress out the person behind the wheel."