Nearly a third of young drivers admit to filming themselves at the wheel, study finds

Nearly a third of young drivers admit to taking pictures - or video footage - while driving to upload and show off on social media.

Research into 1,000 18 to 26-year-olds with a full driving licence, revealed some of the riskiest things they’ve done behind the wheel, including texting and racing mates on public roads. 

Almost a third (31%) have either filmed, photographed or done both while driving - and 57% of those admitted to subsequently uploading the content to social media.

Additionally, 41% have driven while tired and one in six have sent a text message while behind the wheel. 

Shockingly, the research, commissioned by road safety charity IAM RoadSmart, revealed that one in 20 have also driven under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Nearly half (46%) admitted to eating food behind the wheel, which, although not illegal, police can prosecute for careless driving if they believe the driver isn’t in control of the vehicle, an offence which carries a fine of £100 and three penalty points.

One in six have driven in excess of 90 miles per hour despite this, the results show that nine in ten of those polled think they consistently follow the rules of the road, 

Motorists caught driving at that speed on the motorway risk getting four to six points or losing their licence, while new drivers automatically lose their licence if they get six or more points within two years of passing their test.

According to the Department of Transport, one in five drivers crash within one year of passing their driving test, with nearly 5,000 people killed or seriously injured from a crash involving a young driver in 2022.

It also emerged 85% would consider an advanced driving course, according to the OnePoll.com data, with 72% also keen to test their skills on a racetrack.

IAM RoadSmart recently hosted its first young driver skills day at Thruxton circuit, designed to give youngsters more confidence and control behind the wheel.

Nicholas Lyes, policy and standards director from the charity, wants to see the government introduce a form of Graduated Driving Licencing to gradually provide new drivers with skills and experience prior to obtaining a full licence.

He said: “Young people can often feel invincible behind the wheel, but the government statistics paint a different picture. Meanwhile our research reveals some worrying habits, like speeding and using phones behind the wheel, all of which can have devastating consequences.

“This goes to show that the government needs to consider a statutory minimum period of learning to allow new drivers to gain confidence, experience and skills.

“There is also an appetite for younger drivers to take additional driving courses, but given the costs they face, we believe there must be some financial reward for doing so through lower premium costs or taxation.”

The research found that over half admit they drive differently when they have passangers in the car, however, 26% claim they have less focus on the road because of passengers.

For those who say they change their driving with passangers, 46% reckon they drive more safely, but 23% go faster and 18% like to impress their friends with their approach.

The study also found three in 10 have been caught speeding once or twice since getting their full licence.

Gen Z drivers are most concerned with the cost of insurance, although they did understand that the lack of driving experience and higher risk of accidents contributed to premiums being so high.

Driving in severe weather conditions and a lack of confidence on the motorway are other concerns.

More than half (51%) have had a black box installed for insurance purposes, with the average driver racking up 116 miles per week. However, despite the findings, 75% are frustrated that other young drivers give them a bad name on the road.