Three bus drivers from McGill’s Johnstone depot will compete against some of the best drivers in Britain at the UK Bus Driver of the Year National Final.
Daniel Javed, Jan Bejgerowski and Maciej Herman will represent McGill’s Group at the competition in Blackpool on Sunday 6th September.
They will be joined by Gavin Justice and Michael Morrison from the company’s Larbert depot, near Falkirk.
The competition will assess drivers’ practical ability, road safety knowledge, customer care and professionalism.
Maciej finished third overall in last year’s competition and was the highest-placed competitor from a Scottish depot.
Gavin achieved the best result in the theory test, while Michael was the third-highest-placed McGill’s entrant.
Stephen Docherty, Training Instructor and Delegated Examiner at McGill’s Bus Group, said: “We are delighted to have five very strong candidates representing McGill’s at this year’s UK Bus Driver of the Year final.
“The standard of the competition is exceptionally high, bringing together the very best drivers from operators across the country. Maciej’s third-place finish last year, together with Gavin achieving the best theory test result, demonstrated the skill, knowledge and professionalism we have within the business.
“All five drivers are excellent ambassadors for McGill’s and take tremendous pride in the service they provide to customers every day. They have been preparing hard and will have the full support of everyone across the Group when they head to Blackpool.
“We know how challenging the competition will be, but we are travelling with a strong team and hope we can build on last year’s success – and perhaps bring the top prize back to Scotland.”
The national final is designed to replicate the demands of a driver’s normal working day.
Competitors must meet strict standards covering driving style, customer care, presentation and professional conduct.
The day begins with drivers signing on, presenting their driving licence and Driver Certificate of Professional Competence card, and completing a breathalyser test.
They then face a theory assessment and a practical driving test on a three-mile course. This includes manoeuvring exercises and driving through normal traffic along Blackpool’s Promenade and Middle Walk.
Drivers must stop precisely at designated bus stops while judges assess their signalling, positioning, speed, observation and compliance with the Highway Code.
Penalty points can be applied for errors including touching a kerb, exceeding speed limits, leaving the designated route or requiring additional manoeuvres.
Around 100 drivers from across the UK are expected to compete in this year’s final.
Photo: McGill’s drivers who will compete in the UK Bus Driver of the Year National Final with Training Instructor Stephen Docherty
Photo credit: McGill’s Bus Group