Firms missing out on jobs when drivers are absent could benefit from introducing advanced training for nervous potential van drivers.

LeaseVan.co.uk is calling for businesses to sponsor their employees to take advanced driver training and an advanced test to give them the confidence to handle a van.

Currently any motorist who holds a standard driving license can legally drive a van weighing up to 3,500kg fully loaded.

With a Ford Transit weighing around 2,000Kg when empty this means anyone who has passed their test can legally drive a medium sized van without a further test.

But, while many drivers are quite happy to step up from a car to a van there are a significant number who find the idea of driving a larger vehicle intimidating.

Tim Alcock from LeaseVan.co.uk said: “Driving a van isn’t really very different from driving a standard car but some people are put off by the extra dimensions of a van.

“Most drivers easily adapt to these challenges when they start driving a van but there are some nervous motorists who find the idea of van driving rather daunting.

“We are encouraging our clients and all small business owners to make sure they have a pool of confident van drivers they can call upon if key team members are away from work on holiday or sick leave.

“By having substitute drivers on the bench they can make sure they never miss out on opportunities simply because they don’t have a driver available.”

He added that the cost of preparing a team member for the advanced driving test would typically be a few hundred pounds.

Gaining an advanced driving qualification could really help to improve the team member’s confidence behind the wheel and if it means they could handle van driving duties for their company then it could turn out to be a fantastic investment for the business,” said Alcock.