Features like night vision, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping assist, and collision avoidance systems all contribute to a safer, calmer and even happier driving experience.
Selling your current car for a newer model can certainly help you feel safer and more cheerful whilst driving, and in thinking about this we were curious to find out which nations around the world have drivers who are generally calmer, happier and more agreeable. To discover this, we asked citizens with valid driving licences in countries all over the globe a series of questions to find out where in the world has the friendliest drivers. The results provide an intriguing glimpse into road behaviours and driving culture in different nations.
By asking drivers to self-report how nice they are, according to statements from the 'Agreeableness' section of the Big 5 Personality Test, as well as asking drivers whether they've ever exhibited uncourteous driving behaviour, we've created a unique 'Friendly Driving Score' to calculate which drivers around the world deem themselves the 'friendliest'.
The United Kingdom topped the list as the country with the most agreeable and polite drivers, followed closely by Australia and New Zealand. Other countries in the top 10 include the USA, Portugal, and Canada, each bringing their own unique cultural nuances to the roads.
In our study, participants answered questions from the 'Agreeableness' section of the widely respected Big 5 Personality Test, which measures traits like kindness, empathy, and cooperativeness. Drivers self-reported how agreeable they considered themselves in various driving scenarios, as well as answering questions about the kind of uncourteous behaviours they have exhibited, such as the frequency of honking, tailgating, using obscene gestures, and verbal aggression. These responses were cross-referenced with their agreeableness scores to calculate a 'Friendly Driving Score' for drivers across the world; the countries with the highest scores are deemed the countries with the friendliest drivers.
The Big 5 Personality Test is a psychological framework that assesses personality traits across five domains: Openness, Conscientiousness, Extraversion, Agreeableness, and Neuroticism. Agreeableness is particularly relevant in evaluating friendliness and cooperative behaviour. It measures characteristics such as trust, altruism, kindness, and compassion - traits that naturally extend to how people behave behind the wheel. By focusing on Agreeableness, our study identified drivers that are most likely to exhibit patience, courtesy, and a willingness to share the road.
| Country | 'Friendly Driving' Score | |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | UK | 35.40 |
| #2 | Australia | 35.02 |
| #3 | New Zealand | 33.59 |
| #4 | USA | 33.37 |
| #5 | Portugal | 33.11 |
| #6 | Canada | 33.03 |
| #7 | France | 32.98 |
| #8 | Netherlands | 32.88 |
| #9 | Spain | 32.50 |
| #10 | Ireland | 32.35 |
| #11 | Italy | 32.24 |
| #12 | South Africa | 31.54 |
| #13 | Germany | 31.07 |
| #14 | Mexico | 30.84 |
| #15 | Poland | 29.55 |
With a Friendly Driving Score of 35.40, the UK leads the rankings as the country with the most polite and agreeable drivers. 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. The UK's comprehensive driving tests and the emphasis on lane discipline may contribute to these '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.
Australian drivers scored 35.02, showcasing their very friendly nature on the roads. Known for their laid-back lifestyle, Australians often exhibit patience and tolerance, even during rush hour. The country's expansive road networks and relatively low congestion outside major cities may also be a factor in reducing stress levels and allowing for calmer driving behaviour. Additionally, public campaigns promoting road safety and mutual respect likely reinforce positive feelings among Australian drivers.
New Zealand's score of 33.59 reflects the nation's general reputation for friendliness and hospitality. Kiwi drivers are known for their willingness to give way and their patience on rural and urban roads alike. The country's scenic drives and slower-paced lifestyle may encourage a more relaxed driving culture, with the government's emphasis on community values encouraging this friendly approach.
The USA, with a score of 33.37, ranks fourth on the list. American drivers are often praised for their willingness to help others, such as stopping to assist stranded vehicles and drivers in distress. While the vastness of the USA leads to varying driving cultures in different states, throughout the country there is a universal sense of politeness and safety-first attitudes. Whilst some urban areas of the USA, such as New York neighbourhoods, and famous freeways are often portrayed in movies and TV shows with frustrated drivers, on the whole, the USA is one of the friendliest nations when it comes to the roads.
Portugal's score of 33.11 highlights its drivers' agreeable nature. Known for their warmth and generosity, Portuguese citizens often extend this friendliness to the road. The country's investment in modern road infrastructure and traffic management systems have also helped create a less stressful driving experience, fostering goodwill among drivers.
With a score of 33.03, Canada lives up to its stereotype as a nation of polite and courteous individuals. Canadian drivers are often commended for their patience, especially in snowy or icy conditions that require extra caution. Public awareness campaigns and strict penalties for aggressive driving reinforce a culture of respect on Canadian roads.
France's Friendly Driving Score of 32.98 reflects a mix of urban and rural driving cultures. While Parisian traffic is infamous for its chaos, drivers in other parts of France are often more patient and accommodating. The country's emphasis on leisure and quality of life may contribute to a more relaxed approach to driving in many regions.
The Netherlands' score of 32.88 underscores its reputation for courteous drivers. With a strong cycling culture and extensive bike lanes, Dutch drivers are accustomed to sharing the road and respecting others. The country's compact cities and efficient public transportation systems also reduce road stress, promoting a friendly attitude among its drivers.
Spain sits within the top 10 with a Friendly Driving Score of 32.50. While Spanish drivers can be assertive, they are also known for their willingness to help others in need. The country's relaxed lifestyle and focus on social connections may influence drivers to be more cooperative and patient when they are on the road.
Ireland rounds out the top 10 with a score of 32.35. Irish drivers are known for their friendly waves and willingness to stop for pedestrians, even in rural areas. The country's narrow roads and shared spaces encourage cooperation and courtesy. Additionally, the Irish cultural emphasis on community and kindness likely extends to this nation's driving habits.
Using market research agency Prolific, we tested 3,200 participants from 16 countries around the world on the 'agreeableness' trait of the Big 5 Personality Test, a globally recognised and standardised personality test. We tested participants on questions from the 'agreeableness' section of the Big 5 Personality Test that most related to driving scenarios, asking them questions that gave them a score of between 1 and 40 as to how 'agreeable' they were as drivers.
The average score of people in each country was calculated to find an average 'friendliness' score for each nation. The nations with the highest average 'Friendly Driving Score' were deemed the world's friendliest drivers. All data is correct as of January 2025.
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