This Country Has the World’s Friendliest Drivers

Putting the pedal to the metal for a road trip is certainly a thrilling experience. However, it can come with some stresses—namely in the form of other drivers who may honk or flash their lights if they think your driving isn’t up to par. But there is a solution: only create road-trip routes through countries with the world’s friendliest drivers.

AutoTrader has unveiled its list of the world’s friendliest drivers, pointing to all the destinations that make for fantastic road-trip spots. “We were curious to find out which nations around the world have drivers who are generally calmer, happier, and more agreeable,” the company shared in its findings. 

To find out which spots are the friendliest, AutoTrader asked citizens with valid driver’s licenses in countries all over the globe a series of questions. Specifically, the questions asked drivers to self-report how nice they are, according to statements from the Agreeableness section of the Big 5 Personality Test, which measures personality traits including kindness, empathy, and cooperativeness. The survey also asked drivers if they’ve ever “exhibited uncourteous driving behavior.” After gathering all the data, the report calculated which drivers around the world deem themselves the “friendliest” behind the wheel. 

And, according to the self-reported findings, the U.K. is home to the friendliest drivers of all.  

Earning a Friendly Driving Score of 35.40 out of 40 possible points, the U.K. “leads the rankings as the country with the most polite and agreeable drivers,” the findings revealed. “British drivers are renowned for their adherence to road rules and an ingrained sense of courtesy, such as signalling well in advance and allowing others to merge in traffic.” 

AutoTrader added that the U.K.’s “comprehensive driving tests and the emphasis on lane discipline” may also bolster its friendly traits. “Moreover, cultural values around politeness and a ‘keep calm’ attitude likely play a role in creating a nation with a super cooperative driving culture.” 

Joining the U.K. at the top of the list is Australia in the No. 2 spot, which earned high marks for its laid-back lifestyle. “Australians often exhibit patience and tolerance, even during rush hour,” the report added. Australia earned an overall score of 35.02. It’s followed by New Zealand, the U.S., and Portugal, rounding out the top five spots. See the full rankings at autotrader.co.uk.