White Van Man stereotype dispatched

15th June 2012

New research from Tesco Bank reveals that the outdated White Van Man stereotype has officially been parked.

Van drivers themselves reject the stereotype – 70% say they have never shouted at or had altercations with other drivers on the road and, far from being careless drivers, 74% say they take pride in their van’s appearance, boasting that they have no dents or scratches.

The survey highlighted the growing phenomenon of women who drive white vans, largely as a result of 47% of van drivers being self-employed and more women starting their own business.  Some 15% of female van drivers are florists, and fewer than 10% are tradespeople.

Among other findings, the research also discovered:

• 24% of van drivers are aspiring musicians, 25% are glued to documentaries on the TV, and 22% love going on long walks 

• 20% say Greece is their preferred holiday destination, followed closely by the USA (18%)

• 28% have beach holidays, compared with 18% who typically go camping

• 56% are looking for love, and 14% believe that being a White Van Man has helped their ability to woo

• 79% admit they are not bothered by their traditional image, and even revel in their rebellious reputation. 


“While white remains the colour of choice for commercial vans (30%), our research has firmly dispelled the outdated White Van Man stereotype,” Julie Hopes of Tesco Bank said.  “And with more and more women running their own business, an increasing number of female van drivers are taking to the roads.”