Frequently Asked Questions.

1. What is it?  It's a competition involving driving obstacles that simulate real situations that a professional truck driver might encounter.  There is also a multiple choice test on subjects such as brake adjustment, driving habits, first aid, etc.  Drivers also perform a pre-trip inspection with an MTO officer.
2. Why should I enter?  It's a fun day.  It's a chance for your family to come out and see what you do for a living.  It's an opportunity to promote the good side of the industry.  (Too often all we hear about are the bad apples.) And you can win stuff.
3. What can I win?   Cash, a trophy, and the undying respect and admiration of your peers.  Well,... maybe.  Also, first and second places get their registration paid to the Ontario Truck Driving Championship .  Third place is eligible to advance to the Provincials.
4. Who can enter?   Any professional truck driver based in the GTA who meets the eligibility rules .  Drivers for public carriers, private companies, driver services,and owner/operators (brokers) can enter.  There are other regional competitions in Ontario.  See the Other Events page for details.. Drivers or companies do not have to be a member of the OTA or TTA to participate.
5. What classes are there?  There are six divisions - step van, straight truck, single-single, single-tandem, tandem-tandem, and B-train.
6. Can I drive my own truck?   No.  Trucks are provided. Drivers are specifically prohibited from driving their own trucks.   Everyone in a division drives the same truck, and the course is laid out for that truck.
7. What trucks will be used?   The trucks are provided by some of the participating companies.  You won't know what they are till you arrive Saturday morning.  There are usually 2 trucks on the course at a time, the second one starting out when the first is about half way through the course.  Every effort is made to ensure that the trucks are a matched pair, i.e. same model, bogies set at the same distance on the trailers, fifth wheel in the same position, etc.
8. What are the obstacles?   There are 7 different obstacles used on the course, each representing a real life situation. Some of the obstacles that might be used include: Right hand turn, Serpentine, Alley Dock, Offset Alley, Parallel Park, Diminishing Clearance, Straight line, and Stop Line.  For the Train division, Straight Line substitutes for Parallel Park, Cloverleaf substitutes for Serpentine, and Loading Dock substitutes for Alley Dock.  All are detailed on this page .
9. Can I practise on the course?   No.  Drivers are given time to adjust the seat and mirrors and may request help to do so. But once you start on the course, you're on your way. The theory is that a professional should be able to get into any truck and drive it safely.
10. How will I know what to do?  There is a walk-through for all drivers before the competition and all scoring will be explained.  All questions will be answered.
11. Should I practise at work?   Drivers practise every day by dealing with traffic, backing into tight alleys or docks, squeezing through parking lots, etc.
12. What do I have to do to enter?    The cost for this year has yet to be determined, but is typically paid for by the driver's company (your results may vary).  This covers the competition, coffee, a BBQ lunch , and the awards banquet for you and your guest in the evening.  You will need to fill in the registration form  and driver's background sheet, provide a recent MTO abstract, and a letterfrom your company stating that you meet all the eligibiliy requirements.
13. I have other questions.   E-mail them here