SCANIA is sponsoring the Young European Truck Driver competition again, in its 3rd year running. I find that the skills driving tests, knowledge and overall information communicated to the drivers in this event are extremely important for public safety.

While it is impressive that SCANIA gives away a 100,000 Euro brand new SCANIA R-Series truck to the first-plate winner, it would be interesting to see a program like this with Saab Automobile. Individuals that have not bought a brand new Aero, but would like to hone their skills with the Saab Automobile’s Aero Academy with a chance to win a brand new Saab, could easily be enticed to go out and buy a new Saab after having experienced the Aero Academy, opposed to having to buy a new Aero just to participate.

Below is the press release from SCANIA on the Young European Truck Driver 2007 competition.

Welcome to
Young European Truck Driver 2007!

The Young European Truck Driver competition is back again for 2007, which means the search to find Europe’s most skilful driver is on once more – and with a top prize of a brand new Scania R-series truck valued at 100,000 Euros at stake, this is one event no young driver should miss!

In this competition, the driver is truly in focus – in fact he or she is right in the driver’s seat. The driver is by far the most important player in the transport operation. A skilled and well-trained driver has a greater chance of avoiding accidents and thus saving lives, at the same time as less fuel is consumed and maintenance costs for the haulage company are reduced. A good driving style also contributes to more uniform flow of traffic, and thus also a reduction in global fuel consumption and emissions.

Drivers of heavy trucks born in 1972 or later can take part in the competition. Local qualifying rounds will take place during June and July 2007 at the Heritage Motor Centre, Gaydon, Warwickshire. You start with filling in the theoretical test about regulations and safety issues then you have to prove your skill at practical tests such as precision manoeuvring, check before driving and economical and defensive driving.

The national finals will be followed by the European final featuring the winners from all the various countries, to be held at Scania’s head office in Södertälje 21-22 September 2007.

Scania driver competitions and Young European Truck Driver (YETD) is yet another step in Scania’s long-term drive to improve road safety and the status of professional drivers. It also fits in well with the European Commission’s safety target of halving the number of traffic fatalities by 2010.

Stages of the YETD competition:

Stage one: Application
It is possible to apply online or by ordinary mail. Application forms to can be found at Scania dealers around the country and in the Truck media. The most convenient way, however, is to click “Apply now” at the top of this web site.

Stage two: Qualifying round
When you have sent in your registration, you will receive a questionnaire link by e-mail or an ordinary mail. The questionnaire consists of questions regarding truck technology, traffic rules, dangerous goods etc.

How the test works online: When you have sent in your application, you will receive an e-mail with a unique link to the questionnaire. You click this link (or copy it and paste into your browser) and follow the instructions on the web page. Please note, you can only do the test once!
How the test works offline: You will receive a mail with a questionnaire. Fill it out, send it back to the address provided.

Stage three: Regional rounds.
If you score well on the questionnaire, you will be among the ones that are picked out to go to the next round. This will take place at centrally located at the Heritage Motor Centre, Gaydon, Warwickshire.
Practical test: Manoeuvring, fuel efficient driving, defensive driving and check-before-driving. Selection of regional winners to be invited to the national final.

Stage four: National final.
Winners from the regional final are invited to national final, which take place at one centrally located the Heritage Motor Centre, Gaydon, Warwickshire on 15th July 2007.
Practical test: manoeuvring, fuel efficient driving, defensive driving and vehicle checks and first-aid.

Stage five: European final.
The National winner and two runners-up will travel to the European final in Sweden 21-22 September 2007.
Practical test: manoeuvring, fuel-efficient driving, defensive driving and check-before-driving. A great event with loads of activities, prizes and young truck drivers from around Europe.

Prizes – European final 2007

1st prize:
The winning driver receives a new R-series truck, value: approx. 100,000 euro.

2nd prize:
“MotoGP and Michelin” – an exceptional and unforgetable weekend for you and a friend as VIP guests at the 2007 MotoGP World Championship final in Valencia.

3rd prize:
A visit to the home of Ferrari and the city of Maranello.  See the world famous factory where the successful Formula 1 cars and other top class Ferrari cars are manufactured.  Visit the test track and the ‘Galleria’, the Ferrari historic museum.

During 2007 the Scania driver competitions will be held not only in Europe, but also in Australia, South Africa, South America, and some Asian countries.

For more information on the Young European Truck Driver 2007 competition, please visit the following site http://yetd.scania.com/UK/Start/