[4] Use of the term extends beyond the literal and into the figurative; a "backseat driver" is someone who offers unsolicited advice, directions, or help in a situation where someone else is doing something.
The term has been used for technology, such as devices installed in a car which observe the driving through electronic means, and inform the driver or a third party.
The Inland Register[7] produced by the Roman Catholic Diocese of Spokane makes use of it in a sermon: "Even our phrase 'back-seat driver' reflects this new-found freedom.
The Art of being a Backseat Driver[8] in the San Bernardino County Sun summarizes various comments of the sort otherwise found in multiple blogs.
In Italy, the term umarell refers to men of retirement age who pass time watching roadworks, offering unwanted advice, similar to a "sidewalk superintendent" in English.