The search has begun for the UK’s best van drivers with the launch of FTA’s 2020 Driver of the Year competition. Now in its seventh year, the popular event will take place on Saturday 13 June 2020 at the Bott Ltd facilities in Ashby-de-la-Zouch.

Successful entrants will complete a variety of tasks on the day of the competition and will be judged on driving style, risk perception, manoeuvring, fuel economy, legislative knowledge and vehicle defect checking.  The competition – sponsored by The AA, Bott Ltd, Brigade Electronics, Hertz UK Ltd, Lex Autolease, Quartix and TVL – is aimed at recognising and celebrating the very best drivers from the very best van operators.

Kevin Green, Director at FTA, comments: “Van drivers are required to be safe, efficient and compliant, and the tasks we have chosen for the entrants to complete in this year’s competition will test their skills across these three areas. The growth of vans for varied trade use such as plumbing or floristry, together with the rise of internet shopping, has resulted in van drivers playing an increasing role in the UK economy. FTA looks forward to recognising and rewarding these outstanding individuals who can demonstrate excellent manoeuvring, observation and concentration skills, as well as their ability to work safely and efficiently in line with best practice.”

A presentation will be made at the end of the day to celebrate all individual task winners, the Van Excellence Driver of the Year as well as FTA’s overall Van Driver of the Year. Winners will be presented with a trophy on the day and prizes include a £1000 holiday voucher as well as Amazon vouchers.

Van Excellence accredited operators can benefit from priority access to the competition, which is now open, while general entry will open on 16 March 2020. Entries are initially limited to one driver per company and will be accepted on a first come, first serve basis with all entries closing on Friday 24 April 2020.