LORRY driver Dougie Phillips is king of the road . . . even when he's behind the wheel of a car.

Dougie has become one of Bolton & District Advanced Motorists most outstanding members by obtaining five different qualifications in the space of 15 months.

When Dougie was asked by his bosses to get involved in HGV driver training, he decided he wanted to ensure his own driving was the best it could be.

He found the Bolton & District Advanced Motorists Group. Dougie said “I saw that the group was local for me and I thought that the cost was very reasonable so I decided to enrol on their next course”.

He added “When I went along to the first meeting I was a bit apprehensive. I found, however, that everyone was welcoming and friendly. I was also allocated a mentor – someone who would look out for me and be available if I had any questions.”

Roy Sammons, chairman of the Group said “Dougie was dedicated from the start, took all advice on board and practised between sessions. We were not surprised then, when he passed his advanced test with flying colours and was awarded the highest grade anyone can be given, a F1RST”.

Dougie decided to become an observer – an advanced driver who trains people who, like himself, want to pass the advanced driving test.

He said “This gave me the opportunity to give something back to the Group and it also helped me to be a more effective trainer for the HGV drivers in my company.”

He continued to prepare for more qualifications – passing the Bolton Group’s Diploma exam and the IAM RoadSmart’s Masters with Distinction. Finally he became an IAM RoadSmart Fellow and will have his driving assessed every three years.

Roy said: “Dougie, by obtaining these five qualifications in such a short time, appears to have broken all the records. We are very impressed and inspired by him. When he suggested he might become a committee member to help with the running of the group – we bit his hand off!”

Anyone interested in improving their driving skills and becoming a better driver can, without obligation, attend the Introductory Evening for the group’s next course. It will take place at the Lostock Parish Centre, Lostock, Bolton, BL6 4EL on Thursday, November 1 starting at 7pm. Further information about advanced driving can be obtained from Lynn Jordan by telephoning 07766 651418 or by emailing boltoniam@gmail.com

See iamroadsmart.com/groups/boltonam. The group is a registered charity affiliated to the national body, IAM RoadSmart, formerly the Institute of Advanced Motorists