Motorists ignore road signs for sat navs as young drivers struggle without technology

Hemma Visavadia
Tue, 07 Apr 2026 19:55:29 +0000

Drivers have been relying more on sat nav for everyday journeys, with younger Britons increasingly losing the ability to navigate without technology.

New research found that 90 per cent of motorists use sat nav or navigation apps for most trips, including short routes.

The findings pointed to a clear generational divide, with younger drivers being more dependent on technology than older motorists.

Among those aged 25 to 34, nearly three out of 10 (28 per cent) said they use sat navs for every single journey. A further 20 per cent admitted they rely on it even for quick errands or trips they know well.

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By comparison, older drivers were seen to be far less reliant. Around two out of 10 (23 per cent) of those aged over 45 said they use sat nav for every journey, while 15 per cent of over-55s said they rarely use it at all.

The research also found that younger drivers were more likely to depend on sat nav in poor weather conditions across the UK.

Around 32 per cent of 25 to 34-year-olds and 30 per cent of 18 to 24-year-olds said they turn to navigation tools when visibility is poor.

That compares with just 18 per cent of drivers aged 55 to 64, suggesting more experienced motorists are more confident finding their way without digital help.

More than half (57 per cent) of drivers aged 55 to 64 said they would rely on road signs and landmarks if their sat nav stopped working.

However, younger drivers appeared to be less sure, with only 44 per cent of those aged 25 to 34 stating they would be able to navigate using signs or landmarks alone.

Meanwhile, one in four (25 per cent) said they would instead stop and ask for directions. Despite this, drivers of all ages still turn to technology for longer or unfamiliar journeys.

Around 81 per cent of those aged 55 to 64 revealed they use sat nav or online maps for these trips, along with 75 per cent of drivers aged 45 to 54 and over 65s. Interestingly, younger motorists were also more willing to ignore their sat nav if they believed it was wrong.

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Around 29 per cent of 18 to 24-year-olds said they would switch it off if it directed them down unsuitable roads, rising to 40 per cent among 25 to 34-year-olds.

Experts detailed how the findings highlight how technology has become embedded in everyday driving habits, but also raised questions about basic navigation skills.

Aidan Rushby, founder and chief executive of Carmoola, said: "What's clear is that drivers now expect things to just work, whether that's getting from A to B or getting behind the wheel in the first place.

"Navigation has become second nature because it removes friction, and we're seeing that same expectation carry across the whole driving experience."

The shift reflected a wider trend towards simple, easy-to-use technology in modern cars, with built-in navigation and connectivity now seen as essential features by many buyers.

However, the growing reliance on sat nav has sparked concerns that younger drivers may be losing traditional navigation skills, potentially leaving them vulnerable if technology fails.

The survey was carried out among 2,000 UK adults and highlighted how driving habits are changing in the digital age, with convenience increasingly taking priority over independence behind the wheel.