Everyone gets frustrated by bad drivers. We think to ourselves, ‘how can they be allowed to have a license?!’ when we see someone blow through a yellow light or merge tentatively onto a highway to a chorus of honking. Although we’re quick to judge others, the truth is that someone has to be at fault, and the prevalence of these scenarios means it’s most likely a lot of someones.
We surveyed 999 American drivers to find out more about how drivers view their knowledge of the road, and if it actually lives up to reality.
Nearly 1 in 5 Drivers Believe Their Skills Are Well Above the Rest
To start off, we asked drivers to rate their driving skills. Nearly two-thirds rated themselves as above average, with close to 1 in 5 saying their skills far surpass other drivers:
- Well above average – 18%
- Above average – 45%
- Average – 34%
- Below average – 2%
- Well below average – 1%
Interestingly, 71% of men rated their driving skills above average, while only 55% of women did the same. When asked to describe their overall driving style, 36% say they are laid-back drivers, 30% are efficient/fast, 16% paranoid, and 9% drive on autopilot.
Over 4 in 5 Admit to Speeding, Accelerating Through Yellow Lights
Although most drivers rate their skills highly, many also admit to not always following the driving laws down to the letter. We asked drivers about their bad habits, and the results are revealing. The top driver bad habits include:
- Driving above the speed limit – 84%
- Accelerating through yellow lights – 81%
- Eating while driving – 51%
- Honking at other drivers out of frustration – 47%
- Forgetting to use the turn signal – 29%
Despite these stats, there is one bad habit most drivers do not fall prey to: forgetting their seatbelt. Only 5% of respondents admit to not wearing their seatbelt, and of these, only 1% say they do so regularly.
“Everyone thinks they’re an above-average driver, but many people would be surprised by how much they’ve forgotten—or never learned—about the rules of the road. That disconnect contributes to countless crashes everyday that could have been avoided.”
— Attorney Minesh J. Patel
Back to Driver’s Ed? Many Respondents Stumped by Uphill Parking
We asked respondents several multiple choice questions found in most states’ Driver’s Ed programs, and results were less than stellar. It turns out, 43% of drivers don’t know what to do when parking uphill with a curb. 34% said they turn their wheels toward the curb and 7% keep their wheels straight. 57% answered correctly (turn your wheels away from the curb).
We also asked drivers what they do when driving in dense fog. Answers included using:
- Low beams – 71% and the correct answer
- High beams – 20%
- Hazards – 8%
- No headlights – 1%
Thankfully, one question 99.5% of drivers got right is whether or not to check your blind spot when merging. Yes, you should always check your blind spot!
The Rules of the Road Can Be Tricky
In addition to basic driving questions, we also asked respondents about a number of driving laws. These proved to be much more difficult than the basic Driver’s Ed questions, with the highest scoring question getting just two-thirds correct responses. Below are the questions asked along with how many respondents got them right.
Q: In Texas, is it legal to drive on the shoulder to let faster traffic pass?
A: Yes, it is legal
30% answered correctly, 70% incorrectly
Q: Is it legal to drive barefoot?
A: Yes, it is legal
40% answered correctly, 60% incorrectly
Q: Is it legal to stay in the left highway lane as long as you’re going the speed limit?
A: No, it is illegal
60% answered correctly, 40% incorrectly
Q: Is it legal for bicyclists to use an entire lane?
A: Yes, it is legal
62% answered correctly, 38% incorrectly
Q: Do pedestrians always have the right-of-way?
A: No, not always
32% answered correctly, 68% incorrectly
Q: Which causes more fatal crashes, speeding or running red lights?
A: Speeding
66% answered correctly, 34% incorrectly
Road Sign Meanings Test: Respondents Nailed Roundabouts, Struggled With Travel Lanes
Lastly, we asked respondents to provide the meanings for a number of common road signs via 4 multiple-choice options. Results were mixed, with almost all drivers able to correctly identify roundabouts (99%) and winding road signs (94%) but struggling with divided highway ending signs (68%) and additional travel lane signs (59%).
The full road sign test results are:
- Divided Highway Ends – 68% correct, 32% incorrect
- Road is Winding – 94% correct, 6% incorrectCrossroads Ahead – 88% correct, 12% incorrect
- Two-Way Traffic Ahead – 92% correct, 8% incorrect
- Soft Shoulder – 75% correct, 25% incorrect
- Road Narrows Ahead – 93% correct, 7% incorrect
- Additional Travel Lane Begins – 59% correct, 41% incorrect
- Slippery When Wet – 85% correct, 15% incorrect
- Roundabout Ahead – 99% correct, 1% incorrect
- Carpool Lane – 77% correct, 23% incorrect
Should you find yourself the victim of one of these incorrect drivers, The Patel Firm specializes in advocating for car injury victims across Texas. If you or someone you know is in need of representation, please contact us to learn how we can help.
Methodology and Fair Use
In July 2026, we surveyed 999 Americans on their knowledge of driving rules and signs. 49% identified as men, 50% identified as women, and 1% identified as non-binary. Ages ranged from 18-83 with an average age of 43. Respondents had been driving for an average of 23 years.
For media inquiries, contact [email protected]. When using any of these findings, please attribute by linking to this study and The Patel Firm.
