Forget the idea of rats scurrying through mazes for cheese — turns out, they’re more interested in hitting the open road.

At least, that’s what neuroscientist Kelly Lambert and her team at the University of Richmond have discovered. These researchers have been teaching rats to drive miniature cars, and not only are the rats capable of cruising around, but they also seem to genuinely enjoy it.

A small rat operates miniature vehicle at the University of Richmond. Photo courtesy of the university

Lambert’s research focuses on how animals interact with their environments and develop new skills. The rats’ driving prowess and their enthusiasm for it have offered surprising insights. “Unexpectedly, we found that the rats had an intense motivation for their driving training, often jumping into the car and revving the ‘lever engine’ before their vehicle hit the road,” Lambert explained in an essay.

This unique study took off in the public’s imagination, even earning a spot in a Netflix documentary. The experiment itself is as inventive as it sounds. The first “rodent car” was crafted from a cereal container, equipped with a wire lever that acted as a gas pedal. The rats quickly learned to steer their tiny vehicles with surprising precision, encouraged by the promise of a Froot Loop treat waiting at the finish line.

But here’s where things get even more fascinating: the rats weren’t just driving for the rewards. Lambert observed that the rats seemed to genuinely anticipate and enjoy the activity itself. This enthusiasm prompted Lambert to wonder if the rats were excited for the treat, the drive, or perhaps both.

The three driving-trained rats eagerly ran to the side of the cage, jumping up like my dog does when asked if he wants to take a walk,” Lambert said.

To explore this further, Lambert and her team tested the rats’ preferences. They gave the animals the option to walk a shorter distance to their treat or hop into their car for a longer trip. Surprisingly, two of the three rats opted to drive, suggesting that they enjoyed the journey as much as the destination. “Rather than pushing buttons for instant rewards, they remind us that planning, anticipating, and enjoying the ride may be key to a healthy brain,” Lambert noted.

Two rats explore the miniature vehicle at the University of Richmond. Photo courtesy of the university

The implications of this research extend beyond tiny vehicles. Lambert’s team also explored how anticipation and positive experiences shape neural functions. Rats trained to wait for rewards, part of a program dubbed “Wait For It,” showed increased optimism and boldness in problem-solving tasks. These findings suggest that anticipation can play a significant role in emotional and cognitive well-being—not just for rats, but potentially for humans too.

Driving rats may seem like an odd spectacle, but they’re revealing big ideas about learning, motivation, and joy. As Lambert put it, “I taught rats to drive, but they taught me to enjoy the ride.”