Driving heavy vehicles, particularly over long distances, requires concentration, dedication and fitness. It is a demanding occupation involving far more than just driving.

Often the driver is the company’s main face-to-face contact with customers, and he needs to project a positive image and attitude. Not only must he see that his vehicle is roadworthy and safe at all times, he must also ensure that his load is safe, legal, protected, delivered on time and in good condition. While on the road he is accountable for his actions and must use his own judgement to cope with any situation or emergency that may arise

Apart from the required driving skills, drivers of commercial vehicles have always been expected to be conversant with the various rules and regulations concerning road transport. The driver is the key person to deliver the freight and be responsible for his rig. Driving is job that requires many hours of concentration, dedication and stamina, while remaining within all parameters of safety: driving, vehicle and road.

The purpose of the competition

Scania’s Driver of the Year competition takes place every alternate year to stimulate a professional driving culture within the transport industry. Drivers compete for the prestigious status of being the best driver in the country. Achieving the top-ten list is a great moment for any driver, as it makes a statement about one’s ability to be professional in all aspects of heavy vehicle driving.

Stretching the limits

During the competition, drivers are expected to achieve the best fuel economy and trip time over a predetermined undulating circuit, that takes into consideration various road hazards and obstacles. Drivers are expected to complete an obstacle course that involves precision vehicle manoeuvres while reversing and in forward motion. The competition is governed by safety rules on and off the circuit and should a driver ignore one these rules he is severely penalised. Non-compliance to a safety rule could mean coming third or fourth in the competition.

To enter

The event is run under the guidance of Scania South Africa and for the first time in its history, the competition is open to all truck drivers irrespective of the type or make of truck they drive.

Entry forms will be available from the beginning of March.

Drivers must answer a number of questions and submit their answers to Scania who then choose the drivers who proceed through the next round of the competition.

In the second round drivers complete a theoretical test before heading onto the practical aspect of the competition.

Regional

Between March and October the competition is being held in South Africa, Namibia, Tanzania and Botswana, all under the guidance of Scania South Africa. At the finals in October all the regional finalists will compete for the title of Driver of the Year.

Gideon de Swardt, project manager says, “This is the first time we are opening up this event to drivers other than those that drive Scania commercial vehicles. We believe in the merits of this event and believe it will benefit all drivers irrespective of the type of truck they drive.”

“The main objective of the competition is to recognise the best driver in the region based on competence along with safe and economical driving skills. We believe the driver is the single most important factor when it comes to regarding road safety and ensuring operators achieve efficient and economical fuel figures whilst being a brand ambassador for the company he works for.

Worldwide

This internationally run competition was started by Scania in 2003 and up until 2012 (the last time this event was held) 200 000 drivers have participated, making it the largest driver competition of its kind in the world. The event is run in South America, Sub Saharan Africa, Europe, Asia and Australia.