I've been offered a job on condition that I learn to drive within a given period. Neither the advert nor the person specification stated ability to drive as a prerequisite, the job is essentially office based, and I indicated that I can't drive on the application form.

I've not had the formal offer letter yet, so I don't know how hardline they're going to be about it, but has anyone else had experience of this? I'm actually already taking lessons, but I'm not comfortable with my employment being dependent on my success.

Thanks

well they have applied a condition to the offer, don't think you have a leg to stand on

Could they be thinking of how you would get to work, or if you had to work at other offices within the company?

Could they be thinking of how you would get to work, or if you had to work at other offices within the company?

Well, it is a national company...but the job is purely Sheffield based, and I live in Sheffield. As I say, if it was a big part of the job I'd have expected not to have got this far, since ticked the can't drive box on the form.

My manager keeps asking me when I'm getting my license and it was one of the first things they asked me in the interview. At the end of the day getting a license is going to open a lot of doors to you in the world of employment so it's a good idea to get learning.:)

My manager keeps asking me when I'm getting my license and it was one of the first things they asked me in the interview. At the end of the day getting a license is going to open a lot off doors to you in the world of employment so it's a good idea to get learning.:)

As I say, I am learning and was before applying for this job. I just don't like the idea of having my continued employment depend upon passing within a given timescale, which has been suggested!

I would suggest you discuss this with the employer G

As I say, I am learning and was before applying for this job. I just don't like the idea of having my continued employment depend upon passing within a given timescale, which has been suggested!

If driving was a pre-requisite they should have either not interviewed you, or called you in advance and explained that they needed a driver and would like to interview you on the basis that you may go on to fulfil their need. It does not seem reasonable to spring it on you like that. If the job is Sheffield based, you have access to transport, and no travelling is required, why do they want you to be able to drive? Have you asked them?
If you don't get a satisfactory answer, you could try calling ACAS. You can get the number from their website
Good luck

If you don't get a satisfactory answer, you could try calling ACAS. You can get the number from their website
Good luck

You could do but this would significantly up the ante and would lose any goodwill you have with your employer.

A better bet might be a quiet chat with the CAB. They usually have employment law specialists or see if there is a solicitor that gives a half hour free consultation. They usually advertise in The Star

Hope it works out OK

Ideally, the question should have been dealt with when it was raised at the interview, it being a 2 way process, but without asking, its pointless jumping to conclusions and seeking advice from ACAS and CAB when the employer hasnt been given a chance to explain.

Hopefully as this was only posted Friday you have had a chance to call them today and ask the question and get it sorted, but if its a good job then its also a good incentive to ensure you pass your test and see it as a positive thing.

Keep us updated!

Ask them why you need to have a licence. If it's not on the person spec and isn't essential for you to perform the job effectively then I don't see why they're demanding it.

Thanks all for your responses, especially some of the later ones.

@ Natane: it wasn't raised at interview, except that one of the panel noted that I can't drive from my application, and I responded that I am taking lessons.

Anyway, I sent their HR department an email stating that, while pleased with the offer, I wouldn't accept it with that condition attached, pointing out that it wasn't mentioned as a requisite for the job until the offer. I also added that there was presumably an assumption that, on passing my test, I would then purchase and run a car at my own expense since there was no mention of a company vehicle or car user allowance. I also asked for clarification on the extent to which driving is a part of the job.

They phoned back on Tuesday and said that they'll remove the condition completely, and explained that there's just the occasional need to travel to other offices within the city and that, for my convenience, it'd be easier if I could drive. So, all good.

I must say, I don't see how the "occasional need" bit got taken to the extent that they were prepared to bin me in 3 months if I still couldn't drive. Seems an expensive, not to mention aggressive, way to recruit. Anyway, this situation doesn't really differ much from my current job, so I'm sure it'll be manageable until such time as I do pass my test.

Thanks again.

Thanks all for your responses, especially some of the later ones.

@ Natane: it wasn't raised at interview, except that one of the panel noted that I can't drive from my application, and I responded that I am taking lessons.

Anyway, I sent their HR department an email stating that, while pleased with the offer, I wouldn't accept it with that condition attached, pointing out that it wasn't mentioned as a requisite for the job until the offer. I also added that there was presumably an assumption that, on passing my test, I would then purchase and run a car at my own expense since there was no mention of a company vehicle or car user allowance. I also asked for clarification on the extent to which driving is a part of the job.

They phoned back on Tuesday and said that they'll remove the condition completely, and explained that there's just the occasional need to travel to other offices within the city and that, for my convenience, it'd be easier if I could drive. So, all good.

I must say, I don't see how the "occasional need" bit got taken to the extent that they were prepared to bin me in 3 months if I still couldn't drive. Seems an expensive, not to mention aggressive, way to recruit. Anyway, this situation doesn't really differ much from my current job, so I'm sure it'll be manageable until such time as I do pass my test.

Thanks again.


Sounds like a good result. They really shouldn't be demanding you have a driving licence for occasional travel, or because it would be for your own convenience (only you can decide what's to your own convenience!) - especially when that travel is within the city and can probably be done via public transport if needs be. My own job said "driving licence desirable" in the ad, but in reality there's very little travel involved, and the travel I do have to do is easily done on the bus etc (at the company's expense of course!).

What you may find happened is that the department manager demanded that be in - sometimes managers do demand stupid things within offers/contracts that are either unnecessary or even illegal. I had a manager come to me once wanting to issue a contract to a woman who was covering maternity leave that specified that she wouldn't be entitled to maternity leave herself if she got pregnant! They asked in all honesty thinking it would be ok, as "it would be very inconvenient if our mat cover went on mat leave". :rolleyes:

the interviewer may also have been thinking ahead, and thinking this person might be good enough to progreess to do this/that in the job. I have done that, seen potential and thought yes, once they learn this/that etc I can have them doing more interesting things, be more involved, etc. but you dont mention that too early on, its just how you see things could progress with the right things in place.