Let’s be honest. We all like to think we’re model drivers. We signal, we check mirrors, we wave thanks when someone lets us through. But behind the wheel, every driver has their own strange little habits. Here are a few we’re all secretly guilty of.

The parking perfectionist

You know that moment when you’ve parked perfectly straight, but for some reason you still put it in reverse and readjust by half an inch? That’s the parking perfectionist in action. You know no one will notice, but somehow, you just can’t walk away until the car lines up like it’s in a dealership photo shoot.

The volume rule

There is something oddly satisfying about the volume being on an even number. If your stereo says 13, it must become 14 immediately. The car doesn’t sound any different, but your brain finally relaxes. Some people claim to be “above it.” They’re lying.

Talking to traffic lights

Every driver has whispered “come on” under their breath at a red light. You know it doesn’t make a difference, but you do it anyway. Bonus points if you try to predict exactly when it’s about to turn green, like it’s some kind of psychic competition.

The polite rage

No one can make you angrier than another driver who doesn’t say thank you when you let them through. You don’t want revenge, but you do mutter “you’re welcome” out loud, knowing full well they can’t hear you. It’s British politeness mixed with pure fury.

The invisible race

You pull up next to a car at the lights. You’re not racing, obviously. You’re just… observing. Then they inch forward slightly, and suddenly it’s on. The lights turn green, and you both drive off like you’re in Fast and Furious: Suburban Edition.

The music mood swing

We’ve all done the dramatic slow drive with sad music after a bad day, followed by a sudden need to blast something loud and sing terribly. The car becomes a therapy room, concert hall, and confession booth all in one.

Pretending your car is sentient

You pat the dashboard and say “good job” when it starts on a cold morning. You apologise to it when you hit a pothole. Somewhere deep down, you believe your car deserves respect for getting you through traffic every day.

The “one more mile” club

You see the fuel light come on and think, “I can make it.” Suddenly every roundabout feels like a gamble and every hill looks enormous. The thrill of making it to the petrol station on fumes should probably be a televised sport.

The boot Tetris champion

You can fit anything in that boot. Suitcases, bags, garden furniture, possibly an entire shed. You don’t need help. You just need 15 minutes, a few muttered swear words, and the satisfaction of closing the boot on the first try.

The end note

We all have our quirks behind the wheel, and that’s what makes driving weirdly personal. Whether you baby your car like a pet or treat every commute like a rally stage, the truth is the same: it’s not just transport, it’s a tiny world of your own.

So next time you catch yourself doing one of these things, don’t feel silly. Every other driver on the road is probably doing it too.