Across 18 countries, a new global study has lifted the lid on how age changes the way people judge safety, confidence and risk-taking behind the wheel, and the findings reveal clear generational divides that many motorists might quietly recognise.
The research, which was published by Scrap Car Comparison, arrives at a time when conversations about road safety and ageing drivers are becoming more urgent in several countries.
The study asked drivers around the world which age groups they trust most, who they believe take the biggest risks, and when they think people should step away from driving.
Across all countries surveyed, younger Gen Z drivers (under 25) were widely viewed as the most daring on the roads. The report notes that 77% of global respondents felt this group ‘takes the most risks’.
Australia recorded the strongest view at 90%, followed by the UK (88%) and the US (84%), suggesting a shared scepticism among English-speaking countries toward their youngest motorists.
Busy highways and fast-paced city routes appear to shape these perceptions, from Sydney’s Parramatta Road to London’s M25, where even experienced drivers can feel the pressure.
In contrast, older Millennials (35–44) were seen as the safest, most reliable drivers. Globally, 54% of respondents said this group brings the right mix of skill and composure.
Spain topped the list (58%), with Germany and Hungary close behind at 57% each. From the disciplined Autobahn to the narrow, historic roads of Budapest, these environments may explain why confidence spikes for this age bracket.
Meanwhile, opinions on older drivers varied sharply, as nearly half of respondents, 48%, felt drivers should stop in their 70s, while 46% preferred the cutoff in the 80s.
Hungary (63%), Greece (59%) and Chile (58%) showed the strongest preference for retirement in the 70s, each citing challenging roads or dense urban layouts that demand heightened awareness.
At the same time, over-75s were widely viewed as the slowest drivers, with Ireland (69%) and the UK (68%) leading that sentiment.
Trust drops significantly once drivers reach their 80s. Globally, just 18% of respondents said they would feel comfortable as a passenger with an 80-plus driver.
Greece (94%), Poland (93%) and Hungary (93%) showed the greatest caution. Even in countries that are generally more relaxed, confidence remains limited.
South Africa, where varied driving conditions can range from congested highways to coastal mountain passes, registered 88% discomfort.
Despite strong opinions about age, the study’s biggest conclusion is simple: experience outweighs everything else.
Across all countries, 70% of respondents agreed that time on the road is the most important factor in safe driving. Hungary (77%), Spain (76%) and South Africa (74%) were among the strongest supporters of this view.
As Matt Clamp, who is the Customer Service Manager at Scrap Car Comparison, put it:‘Whether you’re 18 or 80, everyone believes they’re a good driver, but perception plays a huge role in how we view others on the road.’
He added that ‘experience and awareness’ are what define truly safe driving, reminding motorists that ‘mutual respect and understanding are what keep everyone moving safely in the same direction.’
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