Driving on unfamiliar roads, in poor weather or after a negative encounter with another road user are among the biggest factors undermining motorists’ confidence.

These are the conclusions of new research from comparison site Uswitch.

The revelations come as concerns grow about anxiety and stress behind the wheel across the UK.

Worrying wheels

A survey of 2,000 licensed drivers found that more than a quarter (27%) feel least confident when driving on unfamiliar roads, while a quarter (25%) struggle in bad weather and almost a quarter (23%) say driving at night or in the dark dents their confidence.

The findings highlight how everyday scenarios, rather than extreme conditions, are often the most unsettling for motorists.

Bad weather, in particular, is prompting many drivers to avoid driving altogether.

More than two-fifths (44%) of respondents said they choose not to get behind the wheel during poor weather, with flooded roads cited as the most daunting condition.

Nearly six in ten drivers (57%) said they lacked confidence driving through floods, while icy roads (52%) and snow (51%) also ranked highly.

The research also points to the lasting impact of negative experiences on the road.

Almost two-thirds (65%) of drivers said a bad encounter had shaken their confidence in other road users.

Feeling pressured by tailgating or aggressive driving was the most common issue overall, particularly among drivers aged 45 and over.

Meanwhile, younger drivers aged 18–24 were most affected by being shouted at or honked at, while those aged 25–44 said near-misses had the most significant impact on their confidence.

Silent dangers

Road safety groups have long warned that fear and anxiety can significantly influence driving behaviour.

The driver training industry is well aware of the difficulties that stress and anxiety cause drivers, especially learners and novice drivers.

Previous studies have shown that some motorists, particularly older drivers, gradually self-regulate by avoiding night driving, motorways or busy urban areas. Meanwhile, younger and less experienced drivers often report heightened anxiety linked to congestion, fast-moving traffic, and other drivers’ behaviour.

For young drivers (under 25), these issues can often lead to dangerous attitudes behind the wheel, including directly reacting to situations, failing to respond appropriately, and taking unnecessary risks under stress.

Worrying outlook

Concerns about driving confidence come amid wider unease on Britain’s roads.

Rising traffic levels, increasingly complex road layouts, and the growing presence of larger vehicles have all been cited as factors that make some drivers feel less safe.

Poor weather events, including heavy rainfall and flooding, are also becoming more frequent, increasing the likelihood of challenging driving conditions.

Despite these concerns, the Uswitch survey suggests confidence is not fixed.

More than half (56%) of drivers who said their confidence had dipped believe it could be improved.

The most popular solution was more practice, cited by 21%, followed by mindfulness or relaxation techniques (19%) and refresher lessons or better knowledge of the vehicle being driven (18%).

Be prepared

Leoni Moninska, car insurance specialist at Uswitch, said rebuilding confidence starts with addressing the root causes.

“Your top priority when driving should be safety,” she said. “If you struggle with confidence on the road, it’s important to address the causes rather than push through anxiety.”

Recommendations include refresher lessons with a professional instructor, focusing on the scenarios drivers find most difficult, as well as taking time to familiarise themselves with any vehicle they will be driving.

Planning routes in advance and preparing alternative options can also help drivers feel more in control, she added.

Pressures on the roads are likely to continue to grow, with increasing traffic and more extreme weather.

Campaigners say understanding driver confidence is increasingly important.

While confident driving supports calm decision-making and safer outcomes, unmanaged fear can lead to avoidance, hesitation or risky responses under pressure.

Supporting and improving drivers’ confidence may be as vital to road safety as improving infrastructure or enforcement.