The Highway Code is the most essential piece of reading for all learner drivers.

In the second of our week of features on learning to drive, Alex Eckford looks at the indispensable book and invites you to test your knowledge.

Published by the Department for Transport and the Driving Standards Agency, over one million copies of the Highway Code are sold each year.

The book consists of road traffic laws, which must be obeyed, and advisable rules which, although not compulsory, could bring criminal prosecution against yourself if you break them. Other sections include tips on maintenance, what to do if you break down, choosing a vehicle, penalties, first aid, road markings and road signs.

The book is for all users of the road – not just car drivers – including pedestrians, cyclists, motorcyclists, and even includes rules about animals.

General rules for all drivers

The largest section of the book, at 49 pages, is devoted to general rules, techniques and advice for all drivers and riders on signals, lighting requirements, control of the vehicle, lines and lane markings in the road, multi-lane carriageways and general advice.

The general advice section focuses on driving dangerously and without due care and attention, and without reasonable consideration for other road users.

Adapting driving to certain conditions (such as outside schools), being considerate to other road users and driver concentration are all covered in this section.

It also points out speed limits are a limit, not a target.

Using the road

The second largest section in the book concerns the general rules of using the road – what to check before you move off, how to correctly use your mirrors, overtaking, road junctions, roundabouts, pedestrian crossings and reversing.

The purpose of the section is to provide the safest possible environment for yourself and other road users, with a mix of common sense advice (don’t overtake on a bend) and road laws you may not have been aware of (pedestrian rights of way).

Signs

Probably the most notorious, and most memorised section of the book is the road signs section.

From triangular warning signs to road works signs and vehicle markings there are hundreds of signs here, all of which may be brought up in the theory test.

Other sections

The Highway Code also covers driving in adverse weather conditions, parking, level crossings, signals to other road users and signals from authorised persons.

It's the only truly comprehensive guide to driving on UK roads, and therefore essential readings for all road users.

The Highway Code's RRP is currently £1.99.

Think you know the Highway Code? Take BSM's 35 question quiz and test your knowledge...