The competition is set to kick off with state based rounds between January and April in 2009, culminating in a national final which will see 16 promising young drivers pitched against each other in tests that comprise driving, reversing and parking as well as theory and technology.

Three finalists from each of the five state competitions will visit Melbourne for the National final, all bidding for the ultimate prize in Australian trucking: a brand new 6x2 Scania prime mover, the very latest Euro 5 specification P420 to be precise.

Scania first hosted the Young Truck Driver competition in Europe in 2003.  

Since then it has operated in many different countries. In 2005, Scania hosted the competition in Europe, South Africa, South America and Taiwan and attracted 27,000 competitors and 40,000 spectators.

The competitions have also received recognition from the European Commission and the International Road Transport Union.

Young Truck Driver competitions took place in 43 countries in 2007, with some 44,000 drivers taking part.

Scania expects 2009’s global competitions will exceed 50,000 drivers in around 50 countries.

“The 2007 YATD competition was extremely successful,” says John Kananghinis, National Manager, Sales and Marketing for Scania Australia.

“We look forward to an even greater response in 2009.”