Colin Court, from Hanson Cement has won this year’s DAF UK Driver Challenge competition.

The final of the nationwide event was held over on 18/19 June and featured 14 other professionals.

However, there could only be one winner.

In the end, Court came out on top after a series of practical and theory tests. 

The finalists gathered after winning regional qualifiers at the DAF UK Driver Challenge around the UK and Ireland.

Importantly, the competition was open to drivers of all vehicles, not just those carrying the DAF logo.

As well as being crowned the overall winner, Court also won two tests outright. 

Furthermore, he was a top five competitor in seven of eight challenges, helping him stand out from the crowd. 

The challenges included a ‘commentary drive’ of a New Generation DAF XG.

Drivers were also tasked with manoeuvring tests with rigid and artics. 

In addition, there was a theory exam, pre-use checks and city driving in a DAF LF Electric. 

Finally, the drivers were put through their paces around a quarry driving a DAF CF FAW 8×4 tipper.

DAF demonstration manager, Mandy Wannerton, was one of the key people involved in the DAF UK Driver Challenge.

“Our congratulations to Colin Court, and to all the finalists,” she said. 

“We all enjoyed a thrilling – and sometimes tense– weekend that really tested the competitors to the limit.”

Meanwhile, Jennifer Lock, from Allen & Lock triumphed in the Ian Joyce Award. 

Joyce was a dedicated and popular member of the DAF dealer driver trainer team.

In addition, he was a judge at previous DAF UK Driver Challenge events. 

On her way to victory, Lock ‘demonstrated outstanding levels of professionalism, kindness and consideration’. 

In a poignant moment, she was presented the award by Ian Joyce’s son, Stephen Joyce.