A UK fleet driver trainer said she was “surprised but pleased” when she was asked to show her driving licence as she carried out licence checks at a construction company before taking their employees out on the road.

Trainer Sara Hickie (pictured)said it was the first time she had ever been asked for her driving licence by a fleet boss.

“I was really impressed. But I was driving their vehicles and their insurance requires that they have to check everyone – and that includes me,” said Sara, an experienced fleet driver trainer for the TTC Group, of Telford, Shropshire, one of the UK’s largest driver training companies.

She praised McPhillips (Wellington) Ltd, for doing what every company with a fleet should do.

“It is something that every company should do if someone is driving your vehicles. But it is the first time in years of educating fleet drivers that I have ever been asked for my licence. Well done McPhillips.”

David Wauchope, Company Secretary for the Shropshire construction firm, who carried out the licence check, said he did it as “a matter of course.”

“I didn’t realise that this was unusual. It just seemed automatic to ask for her driving licence before she took our guys out on the road for driver training. We are responsible for everyone driving our vehicles.”

A total of 180 company drivers have been on a driver training programme and the “at risk” drivers have undergone more intense training, said Company Director John Butler (pictured below with staff and Sara Hickie on the driver training scheme).

“The TTC Group has a fine reputation. They are a good local business which we wish to support and their driver training schemes are second to none.”

Operations Manager Tony Bishop, with 47 years driving experience, who drives 25,000 miles a year for the construction firm, said the course gives company drivers the chance to “refresh” their memories.

“It reminds you what you should be doing and how to be a bit more switched on.”

Low loader driver Andrew Addison, who drives 30,000 miles a year, said: “The training was enlightening and I enjoyed it. I thought I was doing everything correctly but Sara informed me that I need to check my vehicle mirrors more regularly.”


HGV driver Mick Williams said: “It was a good course. I picked up a few tips. It makes you more aware.”

For more information visit www.ttc-uk.com or call 0845 270 4380.

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Note to news editor – the TTC Group has been recommended for the elite “academy” status for the Certificate of Professional Competence (Driver CPC) driver training. The organisation carries out one million hours of driver training each year. It is the UK’s largest provider of drink drive education for offenders and also speed awareness courses run on behalf of police and councils. TTC also runs the National Driver Improvement Scheme in Kent and the RIDE course for motorcyclists.

The training organisation aims to reduce deaths and injuries on UK roads.