Teachers are probably better drivers than most other people in Britain, according to a new survey.

Even priests and vicars were more likely to be involved in a pile-up than teachers, says Cardiff-based insurer Bell Direct.

While 23 per cent of all British drivers have had an accident, that figure fell to 19 per cent for teachers in contrast to 29 per cent for clergymen, 26 per cent for estate agents and 27 per cent for electricians.

Teachers were also less likely to have been convicted of a motoring offence only 12 per cent of the profession had a previous conviction, against 16 per cent for the entire British population.

Meanwhile, just under a quarter of electricians have been caught, as have 19 per cent of estate agents, Bell Direct said.

One in ten clergymen had also been convicted of a motoring offence.

Managing director Nicola Joyce said: "Maybe teachers pay more attention while learning to drive, or maybe it's basic intuition. Perhaps having to have eyes in the back of your head helps!"