Costica wins 2024 DAF Driver Challenge

After successfully completing a series of tough theory, practical tests and driving challenges, Costica, a driver and driver trainer at Oxalis Logistics, fought off strong competition from 20 other highly-skilled drivers.

The DAF Driver Challenge is the culmination of a search across the UK and Ireland to find the best truck driver. An initial online registration process included assessments, on-road awareness and demonstrating a thorough understanding of the CV industry. Over 150 selected drivers were then invited to one of 11 regional heats held at DAF dealerships around the UK and Ireland, with just 21 drivers competing at the final event in Cambridge.

Costica, as well as being crowned the overall winner, also won three tests outright and was a top five competitor in seven of eight challenges. These included a ‘commentary drive’ of a New Generation DAF XG, manoeuvring tests with rigid and articulated vehicles, a theory examination, city driving in a DAF XB, plus two off-road quarry driving tests in DAF XF FAW ‘tridem’ and XDC FAD 8x4 tippers. There was also a special ‘Champion’s Challenge’, a tricky precision manoeuvring test devised by previous DAF Driver Challenge Campion in 2022, Colin Court, who was in attendance throughout the weekend to help adjudicate.

Runners-up included, in second position, Thomas Mills who is also from Oxalis Logistics. and in third place, Adrian Pritchard.

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