ROBIN SMITH
National Observer
Robin left school at 16, securing an apprenticeship as a mechanic, enabling him to buy his first car, a Mini. Robin’s job allowed him to drive and manoeuvre vehicles around the yard and he’d practice in anything he could get his hands one – sometimes up to 18 wheels! Eager to obtain his licence he signed up for a weeks intensive training course starting on his 17th birthday. Passing his test on the sixth day was the most amazing feeling, achieving his number one goal.
Having then gained his HGV licence, he toured every corner of Europe and parts of Russia in a truck, with pop groups, carrying all the equipment they needed for a concert. Gaining so much knowledge and experience of driving in so many countries became invaluable.
Since then, Robin worked for several haulage companies in various positions, the most rewarding, after being trained, was being an in-house Driving Assessor. Coaching others to improve their skills eventually led Robin to become a qualified driving instructor.