Four in 10 people who drive as part of their job have been given points on their licences after breaking the law in the line of duty.

And of the 39% of business drivers who have accrued penalties while at work, the average number of points is seven – more than half way towards a ban under the 'totting-up' principle.

Close to two-thirds (62%) of those with points have got them through speeding offences, the research from Masternaut says.

The fleet telematics provider adds that 15% have earned penalty points for driving without reasonable consideration for other road users, 14% for traffic light-related offences and another 14% for driving without due care and attention.

One in 10 had even been penalised for dangerous driving.

But three-quarters of those in the survey said they were confident that they would easily pass a driving test again if needed.

Previous to this survey of 2,000 business drivers, separate research by Masternaut indicated that 70% of company car drivers don't receive any training from their employers.

Steve Towe, chief commercial officer and UK managing director, said: 'There's a worrying number of business drivers on our roads who are driving in a manner that is serious enough for them to have points put on their licence.

'Telematics provides broader social benefits beyond simple vehicle tracking and can help towards reducing the number of points accrued by drivers on the job. Not only can it provide fleets with the information to pinpoint offenders, the technology can provide ongoing driver feedback to improve drivers' behaviour when they're at work.

'By providing coaching and instant in-cab feedback, telematics can go a long way to reducing the number of points accumulated by drivers on the road, making them safer drivers in the process.'