Fourteen drivers from around the country visited DAF Trucks Ireland’s Dublin HQ in Baldonnell last month to participate in the Irish qualifying heat of the 2020 UK & Ireland DAF Trucks Driver Challenge 2020.
The Driver Challenge is DAF Trucks search to find the very best commercial vehicle driver from the UK and Ireland. This third edition of the Challenge will culminate later this year, when 20 selected finalists will compete in two-days of challenges at Millbrook Proving Ground, in Bedfordshire, England.
Following an initial online registration process – including assessments of road knowledge and an understanding of the commercial vehicle industry – selected drivers were invited to the Irish Regional Qualifier to take part in a driving assessment, under the watchful eye of DAF Driver Trainer Ron Smith. Drivers completed a route taking approximately 40 minutes, with all elements of their driving style, knowledge and technique coming under the microscope.
With Regional Qualifiers taking place throughout the UK & Ireland, at least one successful participant from the Irish Heat will be selected to go through to the finals at Millbrook. The final 20 drivers will go head-to-head in a series of challenging practical and knowledge-based tasks to be crowned DAF Driver Champion 2020.
Commenting on the success of the event, DAF Trucks Ireland Sales Director, Nicky Gill, said: “It was a great weekend and a pleasure to welcome so many skilled drivers to our Dublin site. I know Ron was impressed with the standard of driving all round and we’re excited to discover which person, or persons, will be making it through to the grand finals.”