The data revealed fewer than 10 percent of motorists knew what at least four common road signs were trying to portray despite the risks involved in forgetting the basic knowledge. A quarter of motorists did not understand what the blue roundel stating there was a mini roundabout.
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In a series of safety risks, only one in five road users admitted they knew what the sign for an end of controlled parking zone meant.
Many motorists were also unsure to identify the sign which showed a level crossing without a barrier or gate was ahead.
Over half could not understand the sign for no buses permitted despite the potential risks of ignoring the sign.
The data of 1,700 drivers was conducted by Brindley Garages Group uploaded the test online for road users to have a go at.
Experts have feared the data shows standards have slipped as statistics showed a generational divide.
Young motorists aged between 18 and 24 had the worst knowledge of road signs with those aged between 45 and 54 and 55 plus the highest.
The data revealed southern regions had some of the worst areas for road sign knowledge across the UK.
Drivers in the North East topped the survey as the best-informed drivers follow by road users in the East of England.
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Areas of the West Midlands and Wales were also found to be well informed of the nations road signs as Scotland and Northern Ireland followed.
The North West and South West were revealed as the areas with the lowest knowledge followed by Yorkshire and the Humber.
This was followed by a series of southern regions with London, the South East and the East Midlands all showing a poor understanding.
According to a recent study by car firm 1st Central over one-third of UK road users were said to be confused by signals to the road.
The study also revealed over half of UK motorists admit to almost crashing due to misreading road signs while driving.
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What do common road signs actually mean
According to Confused.com road users can identify what road signs mean even if they do not understand their actual meaning.
Circular road signs
They say circular road signs will generally give an order or impose a restriction on a road user.
Red ringed maximum speed limit signs are some of the most common instructions on the road.
Failing to act upon the instructions of circular road signs could see you hit with huge fines and penalties as these often state driving laws.
Triangular road signs
These are often in place to warn motorists about the conditions on the road surface or extra things with could cause a hazard.
Motorists are warned about a school crossing, tight bends or junctions with red-ringed triangular road signs and are a common feature across UK roads.
Rectangular road signs
Failing to identify these are less likely to land you in trouble with the law as they usually just provide information to road users about surrounding locations and average distances to areas.
These road signs may also be used to alert drivers to any bus lane or parking restrictions which motorists may need to take into account.
Some of these signs may feature information about reducing your speed or to give way to fellow motorists which could become a safety risk if misunderstood.
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