Everyone, driver or not, has heard of the White Van Man stereotype – and the Country is split into two sections when thinking about the stereotype. Like most stereotypes, the first parts are the majority of road drivers and the latter are the White Van Men themselves.



What are the general charateristics of a White Van Man?

To begin with, most perceive a White Van Man to be an aggressive driver, who travels in excess of the speed limit, is thoughtless to other motorists and has poor road manners (cutting up other drivers and late or no indication are just two prime examples). Driving a white Light Goods Vehicle – usually a Ford Transit – they are often thought to hog the middle lane and have an immense self-belief that they are a great driver.

The characteristics don't stop there – and often get more personal. A large amount of people believe the stereotypical White Van Man is in his mid-30's, has visible tattoo's, eats and unhealthy and unbalanced diet, likes to drink and enjoys football. In addition, the White Van Man is expected to swear both verbally and physically. All of which have led to the White Van Man image being a socially undesirable one – no different to that of a football hooligan.

How about cocky?

Cocky probably isn't the right word – confident is probably more appropriate. As most white van men drive around town, they often know the roads instinctively. So like an animal, when they know their surroundings, they feel comfortable – they're confident as it's they feel it's their land.

Where did the term ‘White Van Man' come from?

Back in 1997, radio DJ Sarah Kennedy is alleged to have first coined the term ‘White Van Man' on her BBC Radio 2 show. Some other instances around the same time have been mentioned – most notably an episode of ‘Police, Camera, Action' in the same year – but Kennedy has been given the title of first coining the White Van Man phrase.

Is there any evidence to back the stereotype up?

Actually, there is. Whilst no extensive research as been carried out, in 2006, the Department of Psychology at Bath University carried out a study in which a cyclist rode around two busy cities in the UK and measured how close vehicles were that over took them. Compared to standard black cars, white van's came 10cm closer when overtaking. Whilst there are many variables in this testing, it does provide some evidence to suggest that White Van Men do live up to their stereotype.

What does this mean for White Van Men?

In essence, nothing. Van insurance isn't going to increase purely on a stereotype or speculation and neither are van prices. Apart from a small amount of generally harmless humour, White Van Men don't have a great deal to worry about.

Whilst other stereotypes have often been short lived – think Mods and Rockers or Punks – the White Van Man image has been alive and kicking for over a decade and shows no sign of disappearing any time soon.