Just one per cent of motorists can read a map to the standard of a Cub Scout map reading badge, according to a new survey.

The poll also revealed more than a third of motorists cannot read a basic road map.

More than four in five fail to recognise blue-coloured roads on maps signify motorways, the poll from esure car insurance found.

Based on responses from 1,000 UK drivers, the research also revealed that 16 per cent no longer keep a map in their car.

More than three in five have out-of-date maps, with about the same number saying they could not live without their sat-nav system.

But half reckon their sat-nav systems drive them mad at least once a month.

Scottish drivers are the poorest at recognising basic road symbols on maps, with motorists in south east England the best.

Men claimed to be better at reading maps than women, although the survey results showed fairly equal skills between the sexes.

Colin Batabyal, director of underwriting and business development at esure, said: "It's pretty embarrassing that the majority of Cub Scouts have better map-reading skills than the majority of the adult population.

"This could potentially lead to dangerous scenarios where people are relying solely on technology which can break down."