Queensland drivers have a lot to thank this Nanango man for

To the millions of Queensland drivers who have successfully completed their written driving exam, you have one humble Nanango man to thank.

TRUCKLOAD OF STORIES: Blake Flanagan from Flanagan Enterprises has spent a lifetime working with trucks. Picture: Matt Collins

TO THE millions of Queensland drivers who have successfully completed their written driving exam over the years, you have one humble Nanango man to thank.

Nanango-based business owner Blake Flanagan from Flanagan Enterprises has enjoyed a varied career.

Flanagan Enterprises was launched at the end of construction of the first Tarong Power Station unit in 1983.

Before working at the Tarong Power Station, Mr Flanagan was an army driving instructor and owned two driving schools.

Mr Flanagan is also responsible for an innovative idea which changed how drivers receive their licences.

Mr Flanagan said he wrote the original multiple choice test papers for learner drivers after witnessing some sneaky tactics from driving assessors.

"If the testing officers did not want to take someone out for a test they would ask them a couple of trick questions,” he said.

"I had a few people going for their test and they were asked these trick questions and failed.”

These days, the Flanagan family runs a fleet of 11 trucks out of Nanango, and most of their work is in the city.

This award-winning South Burnett business is certainly making its mark.

It claimed the best tip truck title out of more than 350 other rigs at the recent Mt Gravatt Show.

Flanagan Enterprises also came in third place for best fleet, chosen from a field of more than 70 other companies.

One of Mr Flanagan's dedicated drivers Dianne O'Sullivan was presented the award.

Mr Flanagan said it was hard to put a finger on which sex was the better driver.

"I've found young men difficult to teach,” he said.

"They want to listen to what their dad said and not their instructors.

"Young girls, they don't even think about driving until they are 17.

"You get them in the car and they do everything you tell them.

"They are a lot easier to teach.”

Along with his supportive wife who is also a driving instructor, Mr Flanagan was surprised their youngest of five sons took so long to get his licence.

"Our youngest was 34 before he got his car licence,” Mr Flanagan said.

"He's got girlfriends to drive him around everywhere.”

Originally published as Queensland drivers have a lot to thank this Nanango man for