Politeness on the Road: Bringing Back Courtesy, One Wave at a Time

In recent years, many drivers have noticed a decline in road courtesy. Busy schedules, constant rushing, and the pressures of modern life often spill over into driving behaviour. Too often, this means drivers push through when they don’t have priority, or let stress show in ways that make the roads less safe for everyone.

Unfortunately, learner drivers can sometimes bear the brunt of this impatience. A learner taking a little longer at a junction, or hesitating before moving off, may be met with horn‑blaring or unkind gestures. This is not only unfair, it is unacceptable. Every driver was once a learner, and every learner deserves the space and respect to build their skills safely.

As a professional instructor, I want to be clear: any abuse directed at my pupils will not be tolerated and will be reported. My learners are not an inconvenience; they are the next generation of safe, responsible drivers.

But there is a positive side to this story. In my lessons, I am actively teaching pupils to bring back politeness and kindness on the road. That means:

- Giving priority where it is due

- Acknowledging others with a simple wave of thanks

- Showing patience, even when the roads are busy

These small acts of courtesy make a big difference. They set the tone for safer, calmer journeys and remind us that driving is a shared responsibility.

By modelling this behaviour, my pupils are not only learning to pass a test. They are learning to set an example. If we can spread that mindset, one learner at a time, we can help bring kindness back to our roads.

Politeness isn’t old‑fashioned. It’s essential. And together, we can make it the norm again.