“More than a quarter (28 per cent) of UK motorists don’t like driving on the motorway - and encountering large vehicles at high speed simply reinforces this anxiety. Indecisive driving increases the risk of accidents – and we would urge nervous motorists to take extra driving lessons or take an advanced driving test to help build up their confidence.

“Direct Line is calling on the Driving Standards Agency to ensure the driving test always include motorway driving in a bid to reduce the number of fatalities on the nation’s roads.”

Further findings from the research include:

· One in five (22 per cent) motorists feel nervous driving alongside HGVs – a figure that rises to almost a third (31 per cent) among female drivers

· Similarly four in 10 drivers (39 per cent) feel stressed and uncomfortable overtaking a heavy vehicles on a motorway

· one in 10 (13 per cent) drivers worry about being pulled in by the draught created when passing big vehicles at speed

· 3% of drivers admit to a complete loss of concentration when driving near lorries

Motorists who are concerned about their driving could also take the Pass Plus test. This one-day course is designed by the Driving Standards Agency, insurers and the driving instruction industry and helps motorists drive with more confidence.

As well as

Direct Line also offers the following tips on driving safely around large vehicles:

· Keep your distance. On a dry road and in good weather conditions leave at least two seconds between your vehicle and the one in front. In poor visibility leave at least a four-second gap

· Frequently use your mirrors when driving on the motorway because of the higher traffic volumes

· Always use the left-hand lane where possible. Remember lanes two and three are not the 'middle lane' or 'fast lane', these are overtaking lanes

· Overtake or pass only on the right unless in a traffic jam

· Take special care when joining a motorway. You must give way to motorway traffic

· Avoid switching lanes suddenly and always indicate when changing lane

Notes

The research was carried out on behalf of Direct Line motor insurance by YouGov. 2,098 UK drivers were questioned online between 2nd and 5th September 2005.

Source: YouGov research conducted on behalf of Direct Line.