DRIVERS are being urged to brush up on the Highway Code after a survey revealed less than a quarter of motorists read it after passing their test.

In an online survey of 400 road users only 23 percent said they had perused the driving bible since taking their practical test, leaving many motorists baffled by new road signs and traffic markings.

Town motorists said they believed periodic study of the Highway Code would enable them to head in the right direction for hazard-free driving.

Driving instructor Jo Silvester, who also acts as chairman for the Swindon Young Drivers Association, said regular study of the Highway Code was an essential for any driver regardless of motoring experience.

“The roads are a dangerous place, we teach them a skill that they learn for life but learning isn’t something that stops once you pass your practical, it’s something you have to do every day,” she said.

“Every day in my job I see people driving when it’s clear they ignore or can’t read the road signs and it is imperative for road safety that you continue to learn."

Jo said the importance of the Highway Code is something she drills into learner drivers to ensure they remain safe on the roads in the future.

“I will set my students homework to find out what a particular road sign means and often they will ask their parents who are confused. This is why I tell them to continue to read their books even after they pass because it will help them,” she said.

“The roads are constantly changing and the laws around them are evolving so it’s important to get online see where the gaps in your knowledge are and get better. You never stop learning on the roads.”

Transport minister, Lord Ahmad, said regular study of the Highway Code was integral to maintaining safety on the roads.

“The Highway Code is essential reading for all road users – not just those who are learning to drive. It’s now easier than ever to keep up to date with the Highway Code and the rules of the road," he said.

“Making sure all road users keep their skills and knowledge up to date will help to keep Britain’s roads amongst the safest in the world.”

As a result the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) has been encouraging drivers to sign up to receive reminders about the Highway Code through social media and email. It now has more than 50,000 Twitter followers and 38,000 likes on Facebook.

For more information on the Highway Code visit gov.uk/guidance/the-highway-code