Rudeness, poor hygiene & bad driving: top 10 first date-turn offs that really grind our gears

Romantics are revving their engines for lustful driving licenses and perfect parking, according to a new UK survey from the Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM).

The top ten first date turn-offs and turn-ons have been revealed in IAM's latest research, featuring the standard pros and cons alongside some driving dos and don'ts.

Rudeness (81% ), a massive no no when it comes to first dates, topped the charts for turn-offs, while sense of humour (81%) is what everyone looks for when getting acquainted with one another.

IAM's survey results revealed that Brits pick up the driving skills of a date - good or bad - within the first 65 seconds of getting in the car, with half picking up on their potential partner's prowess behind the wheel in just 20 seconds.

This doesn't leave much room for a second chance, and IAM's chief executive, Sarah Sillars, said: "Bad driving not only has an impact on the safety of our roads, but can also affect your chances of romance."

"Being able to manoeuvre properly and drive carefully should be much higher up on peoples dating priorities."

Expectedly, getting into a fit of road rage is the worst first-date faux pas for almost half (46%) of people, with texting whilst driving not far behind (45%), leaves them wanting to put the brakes on the date.

Talking on a mobile whilst driving leaves 44% first daters wanting to put the hazard lights on, and a dirty car grinds the gear of just under a quarter (23%) of people.

One in 10 (11%) are irritated by someone who takes 15 minutes to park, whilst an eighth of Brits (13%) find overly cautious drivers who go under the speed limit off-putting.

On a brighter note, more than one in 10 (11%) Brits say good driving skills get their motors running on a first date - beating a nice car (7%) and great shoes (9%).

Full lists for the top 10 first date turn-offs and turn ons can be found below.

Top 10 first date turn-offs

1. Rudeness (81%)

2. Bad personal hygiene (80%)

3. No sense of humour (70%)

4. Being self-obsessed (69%)

5. Road rage (46%)

6. Texting whilst driving (45%)

7. Talking on a mobile whilst driving (44%)

8. Bad dress sense (40%)

9. Sweaty palms (25%)

10. Dirty car (23%)

 

Top 10 first date turn-ons

1. Sense of humour (81%)

2. Politeness (77%)

3. Good personal hygiene (69%)

4. Good dress sense (50%)

5. Looks (44%)

6. Confidence (44%)

7. Generosity (29%)

8. Good driving skills (11%)

9. Great shoes (9%)

10. Nice car (7%)