Old habits die hard, as traditional driving perceptions still exist

Just five per cent of male drivers will let their partner pick up the cars keys and get behind the wheel in 2006, proving that traditional motoring stereotypes and the ever-present gender divide still exist amongst motorists, according to the latest research from PistonHeads.com.

As we enter the new year, seventy one per cent of male drivers admit that they'll be in the driving seat when travelling with their partner. And why? Over 30 per cent of men admit to having little trust in their partners driving ability, with one in seven claiming that they don't trust their partner's driving whatsoever.

What's more, perceptions on navigation skills paint an equally divisive picture; according to the survey for the online and interactive motoring magazine, around a quarter of male drivers claim that they'd only trust their partner to navigate on simple and easily recognisable routes.

However, despite these perceptions, arguments between couples in their cars are becoming rare, with just ten per cent of respondents admitting to verbal jousting with their partner whilst on the road.

This apparent improvement in motoring relations could be connected to the increasing popularity of advanced driver training amongst keen drivers.

Forty per cent of the drivers surveyed confirmed that they had already undertaken some form of advanced training, while fifty per cent are considering taking the initiative.

Around two thirds of drivers backed the suggestion of making advanced driver training compulsory, with half suggesting re-tests every ten years.

Modesty regarding personal driving ability did not prevail amongst respondents, as only two per cent felt they wouldn't have the ability to pass their driving test again.

"Britain's men have always been the world's biggest motoring enthusiasts," commented Dave Edmonston of PistonHeads.com. "Despite the growing interest in motoring and cars amongst the female population, it appears that men still think they know best when it comes to cars."