The study by the RAC found that one in five drivers (22%) rarely take to the country’s fastest roads, of which 6% admit they are just not keen to and 12% say they generally rely on someone else. The remainder (79%) claim never to have the need to use the motorway where they live and drive.

Meanwhile 1% of drivers say they never drive on the motorway, of which a third (35%) confess they simply don't like the thought of driving on the motorway.

Those who are loath to drive on the motorway list a range of reasons for not doing so. Nearly seven in 10 (68%) say it is daunting because of the speed everyone is travelling at; half (52%) feel more at risk of being involved in an accident on motorways than other roads; 42% don't have the confidence to drive on the motorway; and a third (32%) find motorway driving too monotonous.

RAC spokesman Simon Williams said: “Despite motorways statistically being some of our safest roads, many people still seem to rely on partners, friends and family when they need to use one. And with only 29% of reluctant motorway drivers saying they are open to taking motorway lessons, it seems that for the remainder (71%) a three or four-lane road with speeds of up to 70 mph is sadly just a step too far.

“The message to them has to be: with the right instruction and advice, plenty of care and practice, confidence in motorway driving can easily grow; at the same time, it is also important from a road safety perspective that people drive within their comfort zones so for some it may be best to stick to local roads where they are most confident.”