Addison Lee has presented its 1000th gold diploma issued from its in-house driver training scheme.

Andrew Flood, from Watford decided to enrol on the Addison Lee driver diploma for his own personal development and to help pursue his goal to become a VIP driver.  

Flood said: “The diploma exceeded my expectations and I learnt a lot. It has had a huge impact on the way I carry out my job and I can tell the difference by the feedback I get back from my customers once their journey is completed. This diploma has inspired me to carry on with my learning”. 

The Addison Lee driver diploma, launched in January 2013, is intended to produce the best private hire drivers.

So far the company has invested 23,500 hours in training drivers for the diploma. This is increasing as the programme is becoming more popular amongst Addison Lee drivers from around the capital.  

The bespoke qualification offers multiple modules, each being accredited by external providers such as People1st, RoSPA, and Qualsafe. 

The modules teach a range of advanced driving skills such as cycle safety, customer service and first aid. It also provides trainees with vital driving techniques to keep Londoners moving around the capital quickly and safely whilst ensuring the highest quality of service. 

Catherine Faiers, chief operating officer added: “Keeping our customers safe and providing them with the best service in the market is our top priority at Addison Lee. At the core of our business is driver excellence, that’s why we always look to invest in the most vigorous and rewarding training for our drivers.”  

The Addison Lee driver diploma is a practical and classroom based initiative. For a driver to be awarded with a gold diploma they are monitored over 16 weeks and participate in 3 practical days over this period.