What your driving style says about you

Does your driving style reflect your personality?

We all know our mood can affect how we drive – from our tolerance for slower drivers (hello road rage) to our willingness to let people merge, or even our desire to push the speed limit.

But what if we told you that something as simple as where you place your hands on the steering wheel could reveal your personality?

There's a theory that even the most basic driving positions – specifically how you grip the wheel – are linked to specific personality traits.

Tom Vanderbilt, author of Traffic: Why we drive the way we do and what it says about us, is an expert on this very subject.

He says: "Considering that many of us may spend more time in traffic than we do eating meals with our family... it seems worth probing into the experience."

Despite driving instructors telling us to keep our hands in the ten-to-two position, most of us develop our own preferred grip. These hand positions are often subconscious choices, and for that reason, they're considered a great indicator of our character.

So, what does your hand position on the steering wheel say about your personality?

The Perfectionist

If you drive with your hands in the ten-to-two position, you’re ‘The Perfectionist’.

You like to do things right and play by the rules.

You’ll likely have a proficiency for leadership, and you like it when other people toe the line too. Your attention to detail is on point, and your perfectionist tendencies mean you always insist on best practices.

After all, why would you be anything less than perfect?

The Nervous Nellie

Both hands right at the top of the wheel? If this is your driving style, you’re a Nervous Nellie (and in very good company).

Driving probably isn’t the most enjoyable task for you.

But it is an unfortunate necessity that you prefer to endure alone. You’re likely an introvert, and stay out of the limelight.

That said, you are hugely caring, practical and committed. You like to plan everything ahead of time (and then check the plan a thousand times, just in case), and you anticipate and prep for all eventualities.

The Peacekeeper

Forget the wheel, what about holding the inner section? If this is your driving style, you’re ‘The Peacekeeper’.

You’re a calm and reflective influence on the road, and in wider life.

You’re an avid avoider of arguments and conflict – there’s nothing like being trapped in a metal box with your family to increase the likelihood of an argument arising.

Luckily, you’ve always got a stress-free resolution close at hand though.

You likely have a low tolerance for feuds between others, and you get frustrated when you see people purposely trying to make others feel uncomfortable.

The One With Zero Tolerance

Hands all over the place? If this is you, you’re ‘The One with Zero Tolerance’.

This is no bad thing – you’re goal-driven and relentless in your pursuits.

You overcome setbacks and obstacles no matter the circumstances, and as a busy person, you likely have little time or tolerance for people who get in your way.

You might be the one people want to avoid on the road… But off the road? This drive and determination make you a source of admiration.

You’re a problem solver and an achiever – and others want to follow in your footsteps.

The Cheerleader

Hands at the bottom of the wheel? You might just be ‘The Cheerleader’.

You’re always cheering your friends and loved ones on. You’re the first to celebrate their successes, and you’re eager to share in their joy.

You’re normally happy to let others take the lead and prefer to motivate from the sidelines.

Thanks to your supportive and well-rounded outlook, you’re often a target for those seeking advice or a listening ear – and you’re always happy to provide it.

With pom poms too.

The Adventurer

Living life on the edge? If you only have one hand on the wheel, chances are you’re ‘The Adventurer’.

You grab life by the proverbial horns, and you’re not afraid of living on the edge.

An undeniable adrenaline junkie, you’re likely to participate in high octane, high-risk sports like skydiving, bungee jumping or motorsports.

You’re strong-willed, confident, and always aim to live life to the fullest.

The Boss

Both hands chilling near the bottom of the wheel? You’re ‘The Boss’.

Drivers using this (admittedly quite unique) style are considered natural-born leaders.

You’re likely in a position of authority with your clear and decisive communication skills. You always get the job done, and you’re more people-oriented in your methodology.

Trustworthy, confident and generous, you make the ideal boss.

The Minimalist

One hand on the bottom of the wheel? This way you can rest your arm on your lap and be a bit more chilled. If this is your driving style, you’re ‘The Minimalist’.

Life is all about the little things. Preferring the more simplistic parts of life, you’re not attracted to material goods or big luxuries.

You’re self-aware, accepting and conscientious, often blending into the background and avoiding attention.

The Cool Kid

One hand at the top of the wheel? You’re obviously ‘The Cool Kid’.

The first word that comes to mind when people think of you is ‘laid-back’.

You refuse to take life too seriously and remain in a constant state of relaxation. Not easily panicked or frustrated, you’re both pragmatic and optimistic, and you treat every day like it’s an adventure.

People like to have you around, and even try to absorb your outlook on life.

Whether you're gripping the wheel like it's the last biscuit in the tin, or cruising with one hand like you're starring in your own car commercial, your driving style might just be giving away more than you realise.

From perfectionists to peacekeepers, adrenaline junkies to cheerleaders, the way we drive often mirrors the way we live.

So next time you're behind the wheel, take a glance at your hands – they might just be steering you straight towards a personality reveal.