Women are four times more likely to concede that their partner is a better driver than they are, according to a new study.

Some 28% of female motorists accept that their other half is more proficient behind the wheel compared to just 7% of men, a survey for the AA found.

But that does not mean the same proportion of women believe their partners are safer on the road.

A total of 37% of women claim they are the one who is more careful, while 13% believe that applies to their partner.

Only 16% of men accept that their partner is safer than they are, however.

Men in the North East are least likely to concede that their partner is the better driver at just 5%, while those in London, East Anglia and Northern Ireland are the most complimentary at 8%.

But men in the capital set the lowest figure for believing their parter is safer, at just 14%. Scotland, Northern Ireland and East Anglia recorded the highest proportion for this category, at 19%.

AA president Edmund King commented: "Women are still more likely to be in the passenger seat and more likely to think their partner is a better driver despite the trend showing women making more car trips as a driver while the trend for men declines.

"The accident figures still clearly show that males are more likely to be involved in crashes.

"You may be a more confident and sharper driver than your partner, more skilful with the controls, reading traffic, manoeuvring and taking opportunities, but it doesn't mean the person in the seat beside you shares your self-assurance.

"The AA would advise that, just occasionally, partners should check with their other half whether they are happy with how they are being driven - rather than forcing them to sit in silence with gritted teeth."

More than 24,700 motorists were polled by the AA for the study.