What do you call a Skoda with a sunroof?

A skip!

But the old jokes ring hollow now on all levels, and Skodas are driven by people of every age group and social background, and perhaps that’s telling when it comes to conscientious driving.

Turning the tables

Skoda drivers are the most likely to view themselves as careful, calm and considerate behind the wheel, according to new research from Ageas examining how motorists perceive their own driving behaviour.

The study, based on a survey of 2,000 UK drivers, used elements of the widely recognised Big Five Personality Test to assess self-perception.

Responses were used to calculate a “Conscientious Driving Score”, offering insight into how organised, responsible and attentive drivers believe themselves to be.

The rankings

The results show a clear trend: drivers of practical, reliability-focused brands tend to rate themselves higher on conscientiousness.

Car Brand Conscientious Driving Score (out of 40)
Skoda 29.63
Volvo 28.59
Dacia 28.50
Renault 28.42
Seat 28.09
Mini 27.70
BMW 27.57
Volkswagen 27.39
Vauxhall 27.24
Ford 27.08
Hyundai 26.99
Nissan 26.95
Audi 26.69
Kia 26.60
Tesla 26.38
MG 26.21
Toyota 26.18
Peugeot 25.78
Mercedes-Benz 25.37
Land Rover 25.36

Volvo and Dacia followed closely behind Skoda, while brands such as Land Rover and Mercedes-Benz ranked lower.

According to the findings, motorists driving more functional and value-oriented vehicles were more likely to describe themselves as organised, structured and detail-focused.

In contrast, drivers of premium or lifestyle-oriented brands tended to report a more relaxed or flexible approach to driving.

Karen Hay, consumer psychologist at Ageas, said the results highlight how drivers interpret their own behaviour rather than how they actually drive.

“Drivers tend to describe their driving in ways that feel familiar and true to them, whether that’s being organised, calm, flexible or simply prepared for everyday situations,” she said. “It reflects the habits and attitudes people bring to the road.”

Regional ratings

The research also revealed notable regional variations in how drivers perceive their conscientiousness.

City Conscientious Driving Score
Belfast 29.10
Glasgow 28.45
Leeds 28.19
Sheffield 28.19
Cardiff 28.11
Plymouth 27.46
Nottingham 27.08
Newcastle 26.93
London 26.82
Birmingham 26.58
Bristol 26.50
Manchester 26.49
Edinburgh 26.39
Liverpool 26.17
Norwich 26.02
Brighton 25.86
Southampton 25.61

Drivers in Belfast recorded the highest scores, followed by Glasgow and Leeds.

At the lower end, drivers in Southampton, Brighton and Norwich were less likely to view themselves as highly conscientious.

What does it mean?

Conscientiousness is associated with traits such as responsibility, organisation, self-discipline and thoughtfulness.

In driving terms, this can translate into behaviours such as maintaining safe distances, anticipating hazards, and remaining patient in traffic.

The study suggests that drivers who perceive themselves as conscientious may be more inclined to adopt safer, more predictable driving habits, potentially contributing to smoother overall road conditions.

However, the researchers emphasised that lower scores do not necessarily equate to unsafe driving.

Instead, they reflect differences in self-perception, priorities, and individual driving styles, shaped by factors such as experience, environment, and daily routines.

Hay added that understanding these perceptions can help insurers and road safety organisations communicate more effectively with different types of drivers.

“Understanding how people see themselves helps us support them in ways that feel natural and reassuring,” she said.

The findings offer a snapshot of how UK motorists view their own behaviour, highlighting the role of personality, brand identity and local culture in shaping attitudes behind the wheel.