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My driving pressure profile on emotional regulation, impulsivity, and judgement

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Last reviewed: October 4, 2026

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61. You just had a bad argument with a parent, friend, or partner. You are angry, embarrassed, and want to leave. You have the keys.

What are you most likely to do?

A. Wait until I calm down before driving, even if I am annoyed. B. Drive, but keep it slow and quiet because I know I am emotional. C. Drive because getting away helps me calm down. D. Drive faster or more aggressively than usual without really meaning to. E. I would probably peel out, speed, blast music, or drive like I do not care in the moment.

62. You are driving somewhere unfamiliar. Your GPS keeps changing directions, traffic is heavy, and you feel your stress rising.

What would you most likely do?

A. Pull over somewhere safe, reset the GPS, and continue when calm. B. Ask a passenger to help with directions or wait until I can safely check. C. Keep driving while trying to figure it out because stopping feels inconvenient. D. Start making quick lane changes or last-second turns because I feel pressured. E. Panic, get frustrated, or make a risky move just to avoid missing the turn.

63. You are approaching an intersection. The light turns yellow. You are close enough that you have to make a quick decision.

What sounds most like you?

A. If I can stop safely, I stop. B. I usually slow down unless stopping suddenly would be unsafe. C. I usually go through if I think I can make it. D. I speed up because I hate getting stuck at the light. E. I treat yellow lights like a challenge to beat.

64. You are behind someone driving below the speed limit. You are already running late, and there is no easy way around them.

What are you most likely to do?

A. Keep distance and accept that I will be late. B. Feel annoyed but stay back and wait. C. Follow closer than I should because I want them to speed up. D. Look for any chance to pass, even if it is not ideal. E. Honk, tailgate, swerve, or make sure they know I am irritated.

65. You are driving with friends. Someone jokes, “You drive like an old person,” or “Come on, go faster.”

What would you most likely do?

A. Ignore it and keep driving safely. B. Laugh it off and say I am not risking anything. C. Speed up a little, but nothing too crazy. D. Drive more aggressively because I do not want to look scared. E. Take the challenge and show them I can handle it.

66. You have been driving for a while and have not had any serious problems. You start feeling more comfortable behind the wheel.

Which thought sounds most like you?

A. I am improving, but I still have a lot to learn. B. I am confident, but I know things can go wrong fast. C. I think I am safer than most people my age. D. I can handle situations that would probably scare less experienced drivers. E. A lot of driving rules are made for people who are not as good at driving.

67. Your friends are doing something risky — a dare, a stunt, sneaking somewhere, using substances, or doing something that could get people hurt or in trouble.

What are you most likely to do?

A. Stay out of it, even if people tease me. B. Watch but avoid being directly involved. C. Join if it seems mostly harmless. D. Join because I like excitement and do not want to miss out. E. Push it further or make it more exciting.

68. Think about the last time you had an “almost” moment while driving or riding with someone — almost missed a turn, almost hit the brakes too late, almost got distracted, almost went too fast, almost ignored a risk.

What happened next?

A. I changed what I was doing right away. B. I noticed it and became more careful for the rest of the drive. C. I was bothered for a minute, then went back to normal. D. I brushed it off because nothing bad happened. E. I do not really think about almost-moments unless there is damage or trouble.

69. You are late for school, work, practice, or an event. You know people are waiting on you.

What are you most likely to do?

A. Accept being late and drive normally. B. Let someone know I am late so I do not feel rushed. C. Drive a little faster but still try to stay careful. D. Speed, roll stops, or push yellow lights to make up time. E. I drive much more aggressively when I am late.

70. You are upset, angry, or hyped up, and you put on music that matches your mood.

What usually happens?

A. I keep the music low and do not let it change my driving. B. I notice it affects my mood, so I calm it down if needed. C. It makes me drive a little more energized or distracted. D. It makes me speed, accelerate harder, or drive more aggressively. E. Music is part of the rush; it definitely changes how I drive.

71. Two passengers in your car start arguing, laughing loudly, filming, or messing around. You are trying to focus.

What would you most likely do?

A. Tell them clearly to stop or I will pull over. B. Ask them to calm down but keep driving. C. Try to ignore it while getting irritated. D. Get distracted and keep driving anyway. E. Join in, argue back, or let the car energy take over.

72. You accidentally cut someone off or make a driving mistake. The other driver honks or gestures at you.

What are you most likely to do?

A. Let it go and refocus on driving. B. Feel embarrassed but avoid reacting. C. Get irritated but keep control. D. Gesture, yell, speed away, or try to defend myself. E. I get angry and want to show them they cannot disrespect me.

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My driving pressure profile on emotional regulation, impulsivity, and judgement

Your Information

61. You just had a bad argument with a parent, friend, or partner. You are angry, embarrassed, and want to leave. You have the keys.

62. You are driving somewhere unfamiliar. Your GPS keeps changing directions, traffic is heavy, and you feel your stress rising.

63. You are approaching an intersection. The light turns yellow. You are close enough that you have to make a quick decision.

64. You are behind someone driving below the speed limit. You are already running late, and there is no easy way around them.

65. You are driving with friends. Someone jokes, “You drive like an old person,” or “Come on, go faster.”

66. You have been driving for a while and have not had any serious problems. You start feeling more comfortable behind the wheel.

67. Your friends are doing something risky — a dare, a stunt, sneaking somewhere, using substances, or doing something that could get people hurt or in trouble.

68. Think about the last time you had an “almost” moment while driving or riding with someone — almost missed a turn, almost hit the brakes too late, almost got distracted, almost went too fast, almost ignored a risk.

69. You are late for school, work, practice, or an event. You know people are waiting on you.

70. You are upset, angry, or hyped up, and you put on music that matches your mood.

71. Two passengers in your car start arguing, laughing loudly, filming, or messing around. You are trying to focus.

72. You accidentally cut someone off or make a driving mistake. The other driver honks or gestures at you.

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