Irish duo impress in DAF Trucks Driver Challenge Final

The DAF Trucks UK & Ireland Driver Challenge Final returned this year, taking place last weekend at Chassis Cab in Fenstanton, England.

Following an initial online registration process – including assessments on road knowledge and an understanding of the CV industry – selected drivers were invited to one of 10 regional heats around the UK and Ireland.

The final selection of 20 drivers went head-to-head in a series of challenging practical and knowledge-based appraisals. Under the direction of DAF driving experts, Mandy Wannerton and Ron Smith, on- and off-road driving challenges were scored alongside theory and knowledge-based assessments.

Representing Ireland was Shane Prior and David Sheridan, both of whom impressed at the two-day final but narrowly missed out on a podium finish. However, Prior was awarded the Ian Joyce Shield, which is dedicated the late DAF driver trainer of the same name, and is awarded to the driver that the DAF driver trainers feel represents “the right values of a driver and is a credit to the profession”.

The overall winner was Costica Moscal, who now progresses to the Europe-wide DAF Driver Challenge in 2025 which, following similar local country events, sees drivers from across the continent gather for a major international competition.