Knowing how to drive is something many of us take for granted. We start taking lessons as soon as we are old enough, pass the test, and buy a car. However, not everyone follows the prescribed route and some people enter the world of employment without a driving licence. As an employer, you may not feel it’s that important having employees who know how to drive, but driving is a useful skill.
Anyone can learn to drive. In the UK, learner drivers must pass a driving theory test before taking the practical driving test. They can practice for their theory test by trying some mock theory tests at toptests.co.uk. Once they have this under their belt, the next stage is the practical test. Upon successful completion of this, a learner driver earns a full driving licence, which they will need for many jobs.
Employees don’t have to be able to drive, and for many jobs it isn’t even a requirement, but if you want a more useful employee in the workplace, here are five reasons why it is worth specifying a full drivers’ licence as a desirable attribute on the job listing.
An Easier Commute
The only time when driving to work is not an option is if you have an office in a city centre location. In this instance, it usually makes more sense to take public transport because parking will be difficult and expensive. The rest of the time, however, it is usually easier to drive to work. Employees with a car are less likely to be persistently late to work because of public transport problems.
Relocating to New Offices
If your company is successful, you may have offices in different locations, or you might be considering opening a second office. Employees who can drive are better suited to job transfers, as they will have no problem getting from A to B. This is especially true if your new office is located on an industrial park in the middle of nowhere.
Entertaining Clients
It is so much easier if your employee can collect a client from the airport or railway station. Meeting a client is more personal than sending a taxi to collect them. Your employee can take them straight to their hotel, give them a guided tour of the area, and take them out for dinner. Business negotiations will go a lot better as a result.
Meeting Suppliers
Without a driving licence, it is a lot more difficult to organise meetings with suppliers, especially if they are based in a different town or city. Public transport tends to be unreliable and expensive, whereas a car can take you direct.
Working Overtime
Do you expect your employees to work overtime on a regular basis? If so, you can’t expect employees that don’t drive to stay late, as they won’t be able to get home unless you pay for a taxi.
A driving licence is often overlooked on an employee skills list, but it is more important than you think!
