Gen Z named the world’s riskiest drivers, global study finds
Survey says under-25s are the biggest road risk and Aussies agree most – but motorists trust older Millennials mostThe News
A new international study has named younger Gen Z drivers as the riskiest motorists on the road, with Australia leading the world in scepticism toward drivers under 25. The research conducted across 18 countries shows how age strongly influences perceptions of driving ability, safety, and the right time to retire from the road.
The Key Details
- 77% of global respondents say drivers under-25 takes the most risks
- In Australia, that figure jumps to 90%
- Drivers aged 35-44 are viewed as the safest worldwide
- Nearly half surveyed think people should stop driving in their 70s
- Only 18% feel safe with an 80+ driver
The Finer Details
The Driving Age Report, conducted by UK comparison service Scrap Car Comparison, asked 200 drivers in each of 18 countries how comfortable they felt with different age groups behind the wheel.
The results reveal a sharp divide between how the youngest and oldest motorists are judged.
Across the board, younger Gen Z drivers (under 25) were seen as the biggest risk-takers, with 77 per cent of global drivers calling them the least predictable group on the road.
Australia topped the list, with 90% believing Gen Z drivers are the riskiest – ahead of the UK (88%) and the US (84%). South Africa recorded the lowest rating at 67%.
At the opposite end of the spectrum, older Millennials aged 35-44 emerged as the most trusted drivers globally, with 54% of participants saying they feel safest when someone from this group is at the wheel.
Spain (58%), Hungary (57%), and Germany (57%) showed the strongest confidence – perhaps influenced by demanding driving environments ranging from Madrid’s dense urban grid to Germany’s high-speed autobahn.
When it comes to winding back driving duties, nearly half (48%) of respondents believe motorists should retire from driving sometime in their 70s. Some nations were far more decisive: Hungary (63%), Greece (59%) and Chile (58%) were most likely to call for a driving cut-off during that decade.
Perceptions of older drivers varied, but one trend held globally: people are uncomfortable with anyone older than 80 behind the wheel. Only 18% of respondents said they’d willingly be a passenger in a car driven by someone that age, with Greece (94%) and Poland (93%) showing the strongest reluctance.
Despite the strong age-based opinions, the study found a more nuanced underlying belief: 70% of global motorists think experience (not age) is the defining factor in safe driving.
Countries like Hungary (77%) and Spain (76%) were most likely to emphasise road hours over birthdays.
The Road Ahead
The findings come as governments worldwide debate how to manage ageing populations and assess if current driver testing systems remain effective.
Some countries are moving toward more frequent testing for older drivers, while others focus on strengthening training for young motorists – who remain over-represented in crash statistics.
In Australia, the results may intensify existing discussions around graduated licensing, driver retesting for seniors, and how best to foster road confidence among young motorists.
With both the youngest and oldest drivers under scrutiny, policymakers are likely to turn to driver-monitoring tech, advanced safety systems, and telematics-based insurance to close the trust gap.
Related: The shocking rise of risky phone use while driving – and why drivers think it’s safe
Related: Gen Z turns away from manual licences
Related: If you live in Canberra, you’re probably a terrible driver
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