Study shows that Highway Code has failed to keep up with vehicle technology

A study by rightdriver.co.uk, of approved driving instructors (ADIs) has found that the majority of instructors believe that the Highway Code learner licence questions and study material lags too far behind today's automotive technology.

The Highway Code study results

The poll of over 1,000 ADIs also suggests that new drivers may be disadvantaged because of this in that they are not aware of the options when picking the safest vehicle. While electronic stability control (ESC) has been compulsory in all European-manufactured vehicles since 2011, there is no mention in the Highway Code, even though Rule 120 specifically mentions anti lock braking systems (ABS). Nor is there mention of a raft of newer safety technology which can save lives. Almost 8 in 10 of ADIs that responded agreed that ESC should be included as there is the implication that ABS will save a vehicle from skidding regardless of the circumstances, which could lead to dangerous situations.

The Highway Code and revision bank ignores mention of Euro NCAP (Europe), ANCAP (Australia) and JNCAP (Japan) crash testing regimes, and there is nothing about hybrid or electric vehicle technology, despite these kinds of vehicles becoming mainstream. Almost two thirds (64.6%) of ADIs believed that hybrid vehicle knowledge should be included.

While some ADIs think that the Highway Code should simply deal with the core road rules and driving skills, most favour a reduction of duplicate questions and the inclusion of more specific knowledge about how to choose a safer vehicle.

Comments on the Highway Code study results

Darren Cottingham, Right Driver Director, commented, “If young drivers are not aware of their options, they are less likely to make the safest decision when it comes to purchasing a car. Vehicle distributors and dealers know that consumer demand is one of the key drivers behind the adoption of safety technology by manufacturers. To accelerate the transition to a safer vehicle fleet, knowledge of safety features needs to be ubiquitous.”

A Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) spokesperson commented, “DVSA welcomes sight of the survey findings. We shall consider the issues raised during our regular refresh of theory test questions and our learning materials. The Department for Transport is not planning a review of the Highway Code at this time. We do, though, regularly review our learning materials.”

With all the new technology being designed by manufacturers, it's only a matter of time until the Highway Code needs updating again.