Confidence, Perceptions and Gender Bias
At its4women, we ran a nationally representative survey of 400 female drivers to determine how women feel behind the wheel; from everyday journeys to managing the practical side of car ownership, including things like sourcing car insurance.
Reassuringly, women are gaining more confidence and independence in many motoring aspects. However, there was one area where confidence lessened: visiting the car garage. Why? Over half of women (54%) feel anxious or intimidated when walking into a garage, while 55% have felt patronised by a mechanic.
Confidence on the road
The data demonstrates that 89% of women describe themselves as confident drivers, with over a third saying they feel extremely confident and actively enjoy driving. Only a very small minority say they feel nervous or avoid driving altogether.
Keeping up with modern driving and new technology
As cars evolve, women are also keeping on top of driving trends. With them staying informed, engaged and confident in understanding new technology. 93% of respondents say they feel knowledgeable about electric vehicles, with nearly two-thirds describing themselves as very knowledgeable (62%).
Gary McClarty, CEO of its4women says: “This really challenges the outdated perception that women are less confident when it comes to cars. With 93% saying they feel knowledgeable about electric vehicles, it’s clear women are engaged, informed and keeping pace with how driving is evolving.”
“What’s interesting is that this confidence is strongest around newer technology, which shows how access to information and changing habits have reshaped the way people learn about cars.”
Everyday car care
For simple maintenance tasks, most women are already hands-on. More than four in five (84%) say they would refill their screen wash themselves, while almost two-thirds (63%) are comfortable checking and inflating their tyres, and over half (54%) feel confident checking oil levels. These are practical and routine actions that, for many women, are simply part of normal car ownership.
But as tasks become less familiar, and require more ‘muscle’, confidence naturally begins to shift.
Less than one in five (17%) say they would change a flat tyre themselves, and less than one in ten ( just 8%) feel confident using a tyre repair kit. For situations like a flat battery, more than half (59%) would prefer to ask for help or seek professional support. This isn’t about ability; it reflects how often these situations arise, and how supported women feel when they do.
The biggest shift in confidence happens at the garage
Despite high confidence in driving and growing knowledge of cars, the experience of visiting a garage for MOT tests, maintenance and repairs still feels different for many women. More than half (54%) say they have felt anxious or intimidated when walking into a garage, and 55% say they have felt patronised during their interactions.
For many, the concern is also practical. More than two-thirds (69%) worry they may be quoted a higher price because of their gender, while 61% say they have felt pressured to agree to additional repairs they didn’t ask for. In fact, 62% say they’ve experienced situations in which a mechanic has spoken to a male companion instead of them, despite being the named driver on the vehicle.
These experiences don’t happen all the time. But they happen often enough to shape how female drivers in Ireland feel.
What are the main causes of garage anxiety?
Gary adds: “What we’re seeing here is a clear mismatch between confidence and experience. Women feel capable and informed as drivers, but too often the garage environment doesn’t reflect that. When communication feels unclear, prices feel uncertain, or interactions feel dismissive, it can undermine trust and make even routine visits feel uncomfortable. What’s needed is a more transparent, straightforward and respectful experience that reflects the confidence women already have.”
Five tips for a stress-free garage visit
● Have a basic understanding of what could be wrong: Go in with a basic understanding of the issue. You don't need to be an expert, but being able to describe the issues with the car helps you stay in control of the conversation.
● Ask for a simple explanation: Ask for explanations in plain language. If a mechanic relies too heavily on jargon, don't be afraid to ask them to "translate." A good technician should be able to explain the why and the how very clearly.
● Get everything in writing: Never rely on verbal estimates. Secure a formal quote that includes a "no extra work without consent" clause. This gives you the paper trail needed to prevent overcharging and gives you the breathing room to think before saying "yes."
● Audit the work (the "old parts" rule): Ask the garage to keep any replaced parts in a box for your inspection. This is a subtle but highly effective way to discourage "phantom" repairs or unnecessary work.
● Trust your gut to build a bond: If the price, the tone, or the explanation feels off, walk away. Your instincts are your best defence until you find a garage you trust; once you find that relationship, car maintenance becomes significantly less stressful.
How its4women can support you from the start
At its4women, we believe confidence should carry through every part of the journey, not just when you’re behind the wheel. That means making car insurance clearer, more transparent and easier to navigate, whether it’s understanding your cover, dealing with repairs, or simply knowing what to expect.
Because when confidence is already there, our role is to support it. Why not check out our latest car insurance offerings.
Methodology
The survey gathered responses from a nationally representative sample of 400 female drivers across Ireland, covering a range of ages, regions and driving experience levels. Respondents were asked a series of questions exploring their confidence behind the wheel, their approach to everyday car maintenance, their knowledge of electric vehicles, and their experiences when visiting garages. Where referenced, percentages are based
