One in three drivers have confessed to engaging in an illegal driving habit, which could land them in hot water with the police, resulting in a fine and points on their licence.

For many motorists, it's been quite some time since they sat their driving test. While "mirror, signal, manoeuvre" might still echo in your mind, it's likely that you've developed some bad habits over the years.

While coasting to a stop or taking corners a bit too early might seem like harmless quirks, there is one habit that can be particularly irritating for other road users and could land you in serious trouble.

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A recent survey by National Highways revealed one in three drivers admitted to hogging the middle lane while travelling on the motorway - that equates to nearly 14 million drivers.

Despite national campaigns warning drivers of the dangers of this behaviour, many people still don't see the harm in it, reports the Express.

To fully grasp the issue, you'll need to revisit your highway code and take a look at rule 264. The rulebook clearly states: "You should always drive in the left-hand lane when the road ahead is clear. If you are overtaking a number of slow-moving vehicles, you should return to the left-hand lane as soon as you are safely past."

Although hogging the middle lane may appear to be a harmless error, it frequently creates lengthy traffic queues behind, as motorists try to squeeze into the single lane to the right, whilst if they remained in the left lane, drivers would have two lanes available to overtake them.

When questioned about why people engage in middle lane hogging, the RAC offers several explanations. Writing on their website, the motoring specialists said: "It could be because practical motorway training isn't part of the UK driving test - meaning drivers haven't been taught how to drive on the motorway, apart from what they've learnt as part of the theory test.

"It could also be down to laziness - it's easier to sit in the middle lane rather than move in and out of the inside lane."

Should police spot you hogging the middle lane, you could face some severe penalties. This poor habit is actually against the law and falls under "careless driving" and consequently could result in three points on your licence and a £100 fine.

The violation falls into the same bracket as jumping a red light, tailgating and consuming food whilst driving.

The RAC added: "The new fixed penalties were intended to reduce the number of people lane hogging and carrying out other acts of careless driving on UK motorways, but it's still prevalent today.

"With the number of traffic police falling, it's increasingly difficult for police to fine lane hoggers, and it's not something that can be monitored using cameras in the same way speeding can."