10% of young drivers have never parked their own car

MANY young motorists suffer “driving dread” with some never having parked their own car or used a motorway, according to a survey.

Five per cent of 18- to 24-year-old drivers are so lacking in confidence that they plan their route to avoid right turns at major junctions, the poll by The Co-operative Insurance company found. Snow and ice on the roads was the top “dread” for young drivers, followed by fear of travelling on unfamiliar routes.

Based on responses from 1,500 fully licensed drivers aged 18 to 24, the survey showed that 10 per cent had never parked their own car, preferring to get their mother or father to do it.

Also, 9 per cent said their fear of dealing with the roads had stopped them seeing friends and family, while 5 per cent were so wary of getting behind the wheel they had stopped driving completely. The survey also showed 5 per cent shut their eyes when dealing with tricky situations, and 3 per cent admitted that chatting to friends on their mobile phone actually helped calm their nerves.

Other fears included driving past lorries, squeezing through tight gaps, overtaking and negotiating roundabouts.

Grant Mitchell, head of motor insurance at The Co-operative Insurance, said: “Of course, the road can be a scary place when you first start driving, but it’s surprising that basic things such as parking or negotiating roundabouts are still a worry for motorists long after they’ve passed their driving test.”