That Old-School Driving Feeling: Why So Many of Us Miss It (And How to Get It Back)

Do you ever find yourself thinking back to your first car?

Maybe it was the simple satisfaction of winding a window down by hand. Or the clunky genius of a tape deck.

Or perhaps it was navigating Shropshire’s winding roads with nothing but a dog-eared paper map and a decent sense of direction.

If that stirs something in you, you're far from alone.

According to research from Aviva, 71% of UK drivers feel nostalgic about past driving experiences.

It’s more than just fond memories—it’s a longing for a time when driving felt more connected, more human.

What We Miss Most: The Top 10

A survey of 4,000 UK drivers revealed the specific moments and habits we miss most. Here's what stood out:

• Listening to music on cassettes or CD players (28%)

• Driving with loved ones who have since passed away (18%)

• The popularity of road trips (18%)

• Family sing-alongs or games during long trips (18%)

• Using paper maps to navigate (16%)

• Winding windows down manually (15%)

• Getting lost before GPS (14%)

• Writing down directions before a journey (13%)

• Stopping at roadside diners (12%)

• Asking strangers for directions (11%)

What ties many of these together? A sense of slowness, spontaneity, and connection—not just to the road, but to the people we shared it with.

So, how can we bring some of that feeling back, even while driving a tech-packed modern car?

Let’s take a look.

Taming the Tech: Reclaiming Focus Behind the Wheel

Modern vehicles come loaded with smart features—but let’s face it, sometimes all that beeping and blinking can feel like information overload. The goal isn’t to switch it all off. It’s to make it serve you.

Think of your car’s tech like a new phone: the more intentionally you set it up, the more useful (and less distracting) it becomes.

Tips for a Calmer, More Focused Drive:

• Do a Pre-Drive Setup: Set your sat-nav destination, cue up your playlist, and dock your phone before turning the key. A few extra minutes of prep = fewer distractions later.

• Simplify the Dashboard: Many cars let you customise your display. Try switching to a minimalist view that shows just your speed and fuel range.

• Learn One Feature a Week: Instead of trying to master your infotainment system all at once, focus on just one feature each week. Over time, you’ll feel far more in control.

That Hands-On Feeling: Reconnecting With Your Car

One reason old cars felt so different? You had to know them. You could feel the clutch bite, hear when the oil needed a top-up, and sense when something wasn’t quite right.

Modern cars are more reliable and easier to drive—but you can still build a strong connection with them.

A Simple Weekend Drive Checklist:

• Tyres: Check pressure and condition (it affects safety and fuel economy).

• Lights: Enlist a friend or family member to check brake lights and indicators.

• Wipers: A quick clean with a damp cloth helps prevent smearing.

• Fluids: Top up screenwash—especially if you’re hitting the countryside.

• Battery/Charge Check: For EVs, check your charge and cables. For petrol/diesel, check your oil level.

A few basic checks go a long way towards feeling prepared and confident on the road.

Rediscovering the Road: The Joy of the Journey

What we miss isn’t just old tech. It’s the spirit of exploration.

Remember getting lost and stumbling upon a hidden pub or an unexpected viewpoint? That’s the magic many of us crave again.

You don’t have to ditch the sat-nav entirely—but there are ways to bring back that sense of curiosity.

Try This:

• Plan a "Just Because" Drive: Choose a destination you’ve never visited—a nearby landmark, nature reserve, or hidden gem. Not everything needs a reason.

• Use GPS as a Backup, Not a Guide: Mute the directions and try following road signs instead. Trust your instincts and let your surroundings lead the way.

• Turn Mistakes Into Memories: Take the scenic route. If you miss a turn, enjoy the detour. That’s often where the best stories begin.

A Quick Reality Check on Nostalgia

It’s easy to romanticise the past—but today’s cars are safer, cleaner, and more efficient than ever.

Let’s clear up a few common myths:

• Myth: “Old cars were built to last.”

• Reality: Modern cars are built with crumple zones and materials designed to protect you in a crash—not just survive one.

• Myth: “Driving was more fun without all the tech.”

• Reality: Driving fun hasn’t disappeared—it’s just changed. A hybrid Honda’s quiet, smooth ride can be just as satisfying as the roar of an old engine. It’s a different kind of joy.

Modern vehicles don’t have to be soulless. They just need a driver who knows how to connect.

Your Next Great Drive Starts Here

That old-school driving feeling? It’s not gone. It’s just waiting to be rediscovered.

By customising your car’s tech, taking the time to reconnect with your vehicle, and planning the occasional “just because” trip, you can bring back that joy—without giving up comfort or safety.

And if your car could use a little help to get there—whether it’s a tune-up, a test drive, or just some expert advice—we’re here to help at JT Hughes.