I started with DF waay back when in 2020, completing the first couple of drives (Ab Initio) and then having to put off for a while due to a few issues with the truck.
I’d been driving cross country back in Europe, and figured how hard could it be to learn these skills?

After the first ten minutes, it was pretty clear that it was not going to be such an easy ride. Literally! You get taught – not told – about how to drive safely in very challenging terrain, as part of a group. Gradually reaching a stage where it isn’t about your own limits, but that of what you’re driving. ‘It isn’t for everyone’ is something that’s said early on – sad, but true. At DF, there are no egos about who’s better, who’s right or wrong – you’re learning to act as a team and not just showing off to the rest of the group. So be prepared to be told what you need to work on! The progressive nature of driving means you’re out of the comfort zone, but never so far that you’re unable to cope.

We’ve all been feeling a bit down over the past 12 months, and I am pleased to say that the feeling of completing a drive with DF is a perfect cure. You’re going to be shaking with adrenaline, sweaty with excitement, but with a real feeling of accomplishment.

I’d point out, there are minimum equipment requirements for attending trips after Ab Initio – try and get as much as you can sorted in advance.