8 driving habits Boomers can’t let go of that make them stand out on the road

Every generation has its quirks behind the wheel.

Gen Z might be glued to their phone GPS, Millennials tend to overthink parking apps, and Boomers—well, they’ve developed a whole style of driving that makes them instantly recognizable on the road.

I say this with a mix of humor and genuine observation. After years of driving across California, traveling in Europe, and reading up on how psychology influences decision-making, I’ve noticed the same patterns pop up again and again.

Here are eight driving habits Boomers can’t quite let go of, and why they stand out because of them.

1. Overusing the turn signal

Have you ever been behind someone who flicks on their turn signal about half a mile before the actual turn? That’s classic Boomer driving.

It comes from a mindset of pre-emptive signaling — better to announce early than risk catching someone off guard. Many drivers (especially older ones) have long been taught to err on the side of caution.

Research shows that in lane changes, about 60% of drivers activate the turn signal before initiating the maneuver, which suggests a lot of us are already using early signals.

But here’s the catch—early signaling doesn’t always help. On modern highways where exits are close together, flashing your blinker way too soon can confuse the drivers behind you. Everyone is left wondering if they missed a hidden driveway.

I’ve experienced this first-hand on Highway 1. Someone ahead of me had their blinker on for so long that I kept waiting for them to turn off. Eventually, I realized they were signaling for an exit about three miles ahead. It wasn’t unsafe, but it definitely stood out.

2. Hugging the left lane

There’s something about sticking to the left lane, even at a steady 60 mph, that makes Boomers easy to spot.

I once drove from San Francisco to L.A. behind a car with out-of-state plates, and sure enough—left lane, middle speed, totally unbothered. The driver was an older man with a baseball cap pulled low, just locked in his own rhythm.

Some studies of older drivers show that they tend to initiate driving maneuvers earlier, slow down more pre-emptively, and generally maintain steadier lanes rather than rapidly changing speed or lanes.

For example, one PLOS ONE study comparing driving behaviour at intersections found that older drivers begin decelerating or signalling turns earlier than younger drivers, suggesting a more cautious, anticipatory style.

The cultural rule that “left lane = fast lane” didn’t fully cement until later, when traffic density skyrocketed.

To them, the left lane feels safer. Fewer merging cars, fewer sudden stops, fewer surprises. But to younger drivers who were taught “keep right, pass left,” it comes across as inconsiderate. Two completely different mental maps of the same road.

3. Double-checking blind spots

We all check our mirrors, but Boomers often take it up a notch. Full head turn, sometimes even two, before changing lanes.

It’s admirable, really—it shows caution and awareness. But in today’s fast-flowing traffic, that extra hesitation can actually slow down decisions and make lane changes feel more dramatic than necessary.

Driving is one of the most cognitively demanding activities we do. Older drivers compensate by being extra deliberate, and that makes their style noticeable. Younger drivers trust their side mirrors or blind-spot sensors. Boomers want the reassurance of physically looking.

I still remember a road trip in Spain where I rented a car with my dad. Every time we switched lanes, he craned his neck so far it looked like he was about to turn his whole body around. Meanwhile, cars zipped past us on narrow European roads. I was grateful for his caution, but it also slowed us down in ways that drew attention.

Related: 10 phrases people with poor social skills often use in everyday conversation

4. Braking on hills

If you’ve ever been on a downhill stretch and noticed the brake lights of the car ahead flashing repeatedly, chances are high you’re following a Boomer.

It’s not reckless—it’s instinct. Before cars had advanced gear systems, anti-lock brakes, and hill assist, riding the brake was the default way to control speed on descents. It was how drivers were taught to “stay safe.”

Now, younger drivers often downshift or let cruise control handle it. But for Boomers, the repetitive tap-tap of the brake pedal feels like a safety net. It’s not about slowing down; it’s about staying in command of gravity.

I saw this on a drive through Big Sur. A string of cars, all braking in sync on the downhill curves. When I finally passed them, I noticed most of the drivers were older. Their habits weren’t wrong, but they highlighted the generational divide in how people manage car technology.

5. Rolling stops

Here’s a habit that gets a lot of side-eye: the rolling stop at a quiet intersection.

I remember being a passenger in my aunt’s car as she eased through a stop sign with barely a pause. When I asked her why, she shrugged and said, “We used to call that a ‘California stop.’ Everyone did it.”

It’s a generational shortcut. Back in the day, neighborhoods weren’t as crowded and enforcement wasn’t as strict. A quick slowdown counted as good enough. The habit stuck—even if today’s traffic laws say otherwise.

From a psychology angle, this is a great example of “habit persistence.” Once a behavior becomes automatic and is rarely punished, it hardens into routine. Even if times change, the old script plays out again and again.

The funny thing is, Boomers don’t think of it as rebellious. To them, it’s efficient. But to other drivers—and definitely to police officers—it stands out.

6. Talking to themselves (and the car)

One of my favorite quirks: Boomers narrating their drive.

“Okay, we’re turning left here. Watch this guy. What’s he doing? Oh come on!”

It’s like getting a live audio track of their thought process. Psychologists would call this “self-directed speech,” a tool for staying focused and reducing stress.

I’ve mentioned this before in another post, but self-talk isn’t just quirky—it actually improves performance in high-attention tasks. Athletes use it, chess players use it, and yes, drivers use it too. Boomers just happen to do it out loud, making it extra noticeable.

I once rode with a family friend who narrated every red light, every cyclist, every parked car pulling out. At first it was distracting, then I realized it was his way of staying calm and sharp. The car was his stage, and the commentary was his way of keeping the chaos in check.

7. Cruising without tech

While younger drivers rely on Google Maps or Waze for every trip, many Boomers still prefer the mental map.

I once carpooled with a colleague in his late 60s, and when I suggested pulling up directions, he waved me off: “I know this city like the back of my hand.”

There’s pride in navigating from memory. Research backs this up—older adults tend to lean on “cognitive maps” they’ve built over years, which makes them more resistant to tech dependency. They trust their lived experience more than a digital voice telling them to “turn left in 300 feet.”

On the road, though, it’s obvious who’s winging it without GPS. They’ll sometimes slow down near intersections, glance around, and rely on landmarks instead of instructions. For younger passengers, it can feel like inefficiency. For them, it’s independence.

And honestly? There’s something admirable about not outsourcing every decision to an app. Even if it makes them stand out.

8. Driving with both hands on the wheel

There’s something about the way many older drivers grip the wheel—classic “10 and 2,” sometimes even gripping tight, as if ready for whatever surprise the road throws at them.

I once had a manager who, when I suggested using one hand, he insisted: “Two hands!” Just like my mom still shouts when she catches me driving one-handed. To her, it signals responsibility. To me, it feels like wearing a tie to a casual party. Different generations, different standards.

Back in the day, driver’s ed classes and safety campaigns did teach 10 and 2 as the gold standard. Cars lacked many of the safety features we now take for granted—no airbags, less responsive steering—so that high hand position helped with leverage and control.

These days, though, safety experts recommend different hand positions. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and other agencies now often advise placing your hands at 9 and 3 rather than 10 and 2, largely to reduce the risk of injury if the airbag deploys. 

That muscle memory remains. When you see someone steady at “10 and 2” while others lean back with one arm, it's a dead giveaway of old driving habits.

The bottom line

Driving styles tell a story. Boomers came of age at a time when cars were heavier, safety features were minimal, and the rules of the road felt less crowded.

Their habits reflect that era—cautious, deliberate, sometimes outdated, but always distinctive.

So next time you spot someone braking on a hill or signaling way too early, don’t just roll your eyes. Recognize it for what it is: a window into another generation’s relationship with the road.

Because driving isn’t just about getting from point A to point B—it’s also about carrying forward the lessons, habits, and quirks of the time when we first learned to grip the wheel.