Following a robust selection process – including an invitation to non-DAF drivers – 20 of the country’s best truck drivers will be set a series of rigorous challenges at a two-day finale at the Millbrook proving ground on 19th and 20th May. The winning driver will emerge as the DAF Transport Efficiency Driver Champion 2018.
Drivers may be nominated or enter themselves, though all are required to undertake a demanding on-line questionnaire covering truck- and transport-related topics before a final shortlist of 20 selected drivers is drawn-up. Online entry is available at www.daf.co.uk/thechallenge.
Those shortlisted will participate in a series of challenging practical and knowledge-based assessments centred around a two-day, live event at the Millbrook Proving Ground in Bedfordshire in May. The winning driver will be crowned as the DAF Transport Efficiency Driver Challenge Champion 2018, and will follow in the footsteps of 2016’s victor, Paul Barlow of Severn Trent Water.
Speaking after his win, Barlow said: “I knew it was going to be tough, but I didn’t expect it to be quite so comprehensive – every aspect of the job came under scrutiny. DAF Trucks’ organisers weren’t joking when they said they wanted to find someone with the whole package.”
Competitors are expected to demonstrate excellence in:
• Driving style, performance and efficiency across different sizes of truck and driving conditions.
• Road knowledge, legislation and the Highway Code.
• Vehicle knowledge, defect reporting and pre-use checks.
The competition is being rolled out across the UK and is open to any driver with a clean C+E Licence, a Driver Card and a Driver CPC.