Nearly two-thirds of UK drivers have not updated Highway Code knowledge

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 26 Oct, 10:01 · Archive

Research shows 66 per cent of British licence holders have never refreshed their Highway Code knowledge since passing their test, despite nearly 90 rule changes since 2020.

Nearly 90 amendments to the Highway Code have been made since 2020, but analysis by National Accident Helpline found that 66 per cent of UK licence holders have never checked it since passing their test. Only 47 per cent of drivers surveyed knew about recent updates to driving regulations. Awareness of specific rules is inconsistent: just 21 per cent know that cyclists may pass slow-moving or stationary traffic on either side of a vehicle, 52 per cent correctly identified that drivers should give way to pedestrians waiting to cross at a junction, and 33 per cent were unaware of restrictions on hand-held mobile phone use.

The research raises concerns about confusion and avoidable crashes, with 49 per cent of motorists not confident they understand the code. John Kushnick, legal director at National Accident Helpline, said: 'Ignorance of changes to driving laws or the Highway Code puts everyone using our roads at an increased risk of accident or injury. Keeping up to date can help protect drivers and passengers, as well as vulnerable road users, such as pedestrians and cyclists.'

A Freedom of Information request to the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency showed that only 448,137 people were subscribed to official Highway Code email alert updates in 2025, roughly one per cent of the 41 million licence holders in the UK.

How it is being reported

• Highway Code warning as UK drivers risk penalties over rule changesUK drivers have been warned they risk fines, bans and prison after research revealed millions have not checked the Highway Code since passing their test.Bracknell News · 26 Oct, 09:26
• Highway Code warning as UK drivers risk penalties over rule changesUK drivers have been warned they risk fines, bans and prison after research revealed millions have not checked the Highway Code since passing their test.Reading Chronicle · 26 Oct, 09:26

In this story: National Accident Helpline · Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency · John Kushnick · UK

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