With the entries closing on Friday (July 28), this is the last chance to register for the Freight Transport Association’s (FTA) Driver of the Year 2017.

This year the competition has been opened up to all professional drivers from any business sector living in the UK. 

FTA is calling on drivers of trucks up to 18 tonnes and up to 44 tonnes, as well as Van Excellence member drivers, to get their entries in as soon as possible.

Three days of rigorous tests will reveal the country’s best drivers in each category, with an overall winner announced later in the year. 

Competitors will be tested on their driving skills, manoeuvring ability, legislative knowledge and their ability to identify pre-use defects on a vehicle. Drivers can enter themselves or employers can nominate up to three members of staff.

This year’s competition will also see the introduction of three new Young Driver of the Year categories, to recognise the emerging talent within the logistics sector.

The official sponsor of the competition, Bridgestone, was keen to sponsor the FTA’s Truck Driver of the Year competition for 18 tonne vehicles. Bridgestone’s truck & bus product manager Terry Salter said: “Bridgestone is proud to recognise the hard-working professionals who make the commercial motoring industry so great. 

"This year, the 18 tonne category resonated with us in particular.  We are always looking at ways to promote the hard work of commercial vehicle technicians, whether that’s through our award winningtraining programmes or suite of services that are tailored to meet their needs and make their lives easier.

“Our association with FTA’s Driver of the Year award represents the perfect fit for us and we are delighted to champion the hard work of these skilled professionals. We pride ourselves on serving society with superior quality and there are so many professional drivers who do likewise for their own companies, employers and customers.  We look forward to commemorating them and raising the profile of these diligent drivers.”

Those shortlisted for the finals of the competition will be invited to take part in an assessment day at Mercedes-Benz, where winners and Young Drivers of the Year in each vehicle class will be named. 

The overall Driver of the Year title will be awarded at a presentation ceremony as part of the FTA Transport Manager Conference to be held at the Ricoh Arena on  November 29 2017.

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