The Final The Blackpool Final | Timetable of Events   Timetable of Events   The majority of teams arrive in Blackpool during the Saturday afternoon in readiness for the gala dinner at the Hilton Hotel in the evening.   The purpose of the dinner is to bring together all the competitors, their colleagues, families and supporters in a friendly and relaxed atmosphere before the serious business of competition on the Sunday morning. It is an ideal opportunity for bus company directors, managers, staff and drivers to meet with colleagues from all parts of the UK.   An integral part of the dinner is the detailed briefing of the competitors by the Operations Director on the theory and driving tests they will encounter on the Sunday morning, and it is for this reason that we encourage all competitors to attend the dinner, even if not staying at the Hilton Hotel, as the briefing completes their preparation for the Final .   The BDoY team sets out the course early on the Sunday morning, and all competitors are welcome to walk round the course to help understand the briefing and perhaps to decide on strategy.   On competition day, all entrants are deemed to be working for BDoY’s fictitious bus company, Middle Walk Bus Company, and all drivers will have received a copy of that company code of conduct.   The day seeks to simulate a driver’s normal working day. All competitors will have received a personal timetable, and are required to attend a breathalyser test (in common with all marshals and officials) , sign on , presenting a driving licence (free of extant endorsements on the day), and present themselves at a specified time for the theory test in the Hilton Hotel and for their driving test.   Buses are kindly loaned by competing and other companies, and any operator who brings a bus to Blackpool is most welcome to lend it for use in the competition. The Vice-President’s cup is awarded for the best –presented vehicle used in the competition.   For a period of 4 hours, BDoY operates the most intensive bus service in the UK . Competitors leave every 2 minutes on the 3 mile driving test, which incorporates some manoeuvring exercises followed by a circuit, in normal traffic, along the Promenade with a return along Middle Walk to the start. Drivers are required to stop with precision at a number of bus stops, and observers will be stationed around the course to judge drivers` signalling, positioning etc.   Each driver’s run normally lasts about 15-20 minutes. The buses carry passengers (but fares are not charged!) as the competition vehicles may be used by drivers, their families and friends to travel between the Hilton Hotel, where the theory tests take place, and the starting point for the driving tests.   The tests are normally finished by 1330, giving everyone a break for lunch while the results are compiled prior to the awards ceremony in the Hilton Hotel.   ©2003-2012 UK Bus Driver of the Year Association Ltd. Registered in England, No. 2159826. Registered office: 12 Powys Street, Atherton, Manchester, M46 9AR. Design by Insomniac.