A national survey from the All-Russian Center for the Study of Public Opinion (VTsIOM) explored the driving and navigation skills of Russians. The results show that a clear majority can operate a vehicle, with 59% reporting they know how to drive. There is a pronounced gender gap: men drive at a much higher rate, 84%, while 39% of women report driving themselves.
Age patterns also emerge. Among 25- to 34-year-olds, the share who can drive is the highest, at 76%. This declines with age to about 67% for the 35- to 44-year-old group, 45%–59-year-olds at 63%, and only 41% for those aged 60 and above.
Regarding navigation, 70% overall can use a navigator or online maps. Men are more confident here as well, at 81%, compared with 62% of women. Younger people show the strongest proficiency: 92% of 18- to 24-year-olds and 89% of 24- to 34-year-olds report these skills. The older generation is more reluctant to rely on digital maps, with 39% of those 60 and older able to navigate this way, contrasted with 77% of the 18- to 24-year-old group who favor traditional or mixed methods.
The survey was conducted by VTsIOM through telephone interviews with a random sample drawn from the national mobile-phone roster. About 1,600 respondents participated, and the results were weighted to reflect the country’s socio-demographic composition. The data provide a snapshot of practical competencies that are often linked to daily mobility, safety, and travel planning. Researchers note the persistence of traditional mapping habits among older generations, alongside a strong preference for digital navigation among younger cohorts. For readers seeking to understand how these skills influence transportation choices or urban planning, the study offers valuable benchmarks that align with global trends in how people navigate and drive in modern societies.
Attribution: VTsIOM study on public opinion and practical competencies (national telephone survey, representative sample, weighting by socio-demographic factors).