Millions of British drivers have admitted to being hypocrites behind the wheel, a study has revealed – as Tesla drivers take the title as the worst offenders. 

New research reveals that almost three quarters of drivers surveyed, or 74 per cent, routinely do things they cannot stand other motorists doing on the UK's roads. 

In the long list of double standards, refusing to let another vehicle pull out topped the perpetrating charts, with a whopping 17 per cent admitting to deliberately hogging the road. 

Other common hypocrisies included failing to indicate when turning or changing lanes (14 per cent), refusing to let another car merge into the lane (14 per cent) and failing to say thank you after being let out (12 per cent). 

The survey also revealed that most Brits hate the failure to acknowledge somebody who has given way (12 per cent), cutting into a queue of traffic (11 per cent) and being impatient with a learner (11 per cent) – yet admitted to doing the same when on the road. 

And 10 per cent, or one in ten, confessed to flicking the middle finger or an offensive hand gesture at fellow motorists, despite saying they despise being on the receiving end of the motions. 

Tesla drivers were found to be the worst road offenders, as a staggering 88 per cent of the eco-motorists admitted to breaking their own standards.

Cupra drivers were joint first in the ranking of culprits, followed by drivers of Skoda (83 per cent), Kia (81 per cent) and Renault (81 per cent). 

Drivers also graded the most frustrating autumn and winter driving habits. The top triggering seasonal habits included failing to dip full beam headlights (60 per cent), dazzling lights (59 per cent) and driving without lights when it's gloomy (41 per cent). 

Meanwhile, the research revealed a host of irks Brits detested about the way others drive, including driving too close to another vehicle in wet or icy conditions (38 per cent), using fog lights when it's not necessary (35 per cent) and setting off on a journey with only a small section of a frosted or iced windscreen cleared (30 per cent). 

Despite nearly all Brits saying they are good and polite drivers (96 per cent), when asked about the motoring skills of others, they were far less complimentary to others on the road.

A staggering 93 per cent described some other drivers behind the wheel as bad and 2 per cent even said all other motorists in the UK were below par.

Other driving habits were explored as part of the survey, with the average Brit sounding their horn three times per journey and most likely to sound their beeper if another driver pulls out in front of them (37 per cent), cuts them up (36 per cent) or doesn't move when the traffic lights change (35 per cent).

On average, drivers get annoyed by something another motorist does approximately 35 minutes into a typical journey, but also appreciate a rare, good driver, waving a hand of acknowledgement to them 15 times a week.

Phil Evans, managing director at temporary vehicle insurance provider GoShorty, who conducted the research, said: 'Things such as indicating, letting someone merge or simply acknowledging another driver might seem small, but they can make a big difference to how calm and considerate our roads feel.

'What this research really highlights is how easy it is to notice poor behaviour in somebody else while overlooking our own. A little more self-awareness behind the wheel could go a long way towards reducing frustration and encouraging safer, more courteous driving.

'During autumn and winter, behaviours that might ordinarily be irritating can quickly become genuine safety concerns. Reduced daylight, glare from headlights, rain, ice and poorer visibility all leave drivers with less margin for error, which makes patience and consideration even more important.

'Simple habits such as dipping your headlights at the right time, clearing your windscreen properly and leaving extra space in wet or icy conditions can make a real difference - and save you from a potential fine for breaking road laws!

'Ultimately, good driving is not just about what other motorists should be doing. It starts with taking responsibility for your own behaviour behind the wheel.'