Van drivers are careful motorists despite the perceived stereotype of the 'white van man', according to the latest research.

Consequently, industry experts are now urging insurers to offer drivers better van insurance rates as a result.

A study by Tesco revealed that a quarter of British drivers believe that taxi drivers are Britain's worst road users and more likely than any other to beep their horn and commit minor driving offences.

The survey also found that one in five van drivers had taken an advanced driving course or completed specialist driving training.

Allan Burns, spokesperson for Tesco, told FairInvestment.co.uk: “Van drivers are often stereotyped as rogues of the road however our records show they are very safe drivers and deserve a good insurance rate.”

In related news, the Times reported earlier this week that van drivers could soon have a camera in their cab to keep an eye on their driving skills.

The device, called SmartDrive, places a camera in the cab of the van that monitors the driver and the road ahead with a motion sensor.

This week, a new report suggested that younger drivers are paying out more than twice as much as other drivers for their car and van insurance.

In a study by price comparison site uSwitch.com, it was found that young drivers, aged between 17 and 25, make up only 7% of the car and van insurance market, yet the premiums they pay account for 22% of revenue across the industry.