A significant proportion of UK drivers have admitted to the fact they name their vehicles, new figures published by the AA Driving School have revealed.

According to the results of the organisation's poll, almost four out of ten respondents (39 per cent) said they had done this.

Female drivers were more likely to have named their car than male drivers – 50 per cent compared to 33 per cent – while younger vehicle owners (aged 18 to 24) were by far the most likely age group to have taken part in this practice.

Overall, 70 per cent of younger motorists had named their car, compared to just 30 per cent of individuals aged over 65.

Managing director of the AA Driving School Jim Kirkwood commented: "The fact that young drivers are so much more likely to have named a car is probably a reflection of what a huge impact passing your driving test has on your life.

"Once you get a bit older, the novelty wears off a bit but to start with the joy of driving is very real."

However, he added the research also shows that naming one's vehicle is seen as a fun part of the driving experience and it is a practice that can stay with motorists for many years after they pass their test.

When deciding upon an apt name for one's vehicle, the research showed that 30 per cent of motorists base their name on the car's registration plate, while 16 per cent focus on the make or model, eight per cent focus on the colour and eight per cent simply choose a moniker they like.

The most popular vehicle names among UK motorists were shown to include Betsy, Fred, Freddie or Freda, Babe or Baby, Bertha, The Beast, names with blue in them (i.e. Bluebell, Blue Boy, Bluey, etc) and those with 'old' in the title, such as Old Gal or Old Whitey.