Drivers’ hours and rest periods Flashcards
Under EU rules, what’s the maximum driving time allowed in any two consecutive weeks?
90 hours - Under EU rules, the maximum number of hours that you can drive in any two consecutive weeks is 90 hours. These don’t have to be split evenly, but the total amount of driving time in any one week mustn’t exceed 56 hours. Don’t exceed your driving hours; heavy fines can be given to drivers who break the law.
Who’s responsible for the issue of tachograph charts to a bus or lorry driver?
The driver’s employer
An enforcement officer keeps one of your tachograph charts. Who should sign the back of the replacement chart?
The officer - When an enforcement officer keeps a record chart, the driver should ask the officer to sign the back of the replacement chart. They’ll need to give their name, telephone number and the number of charts they’ve kept. The replacement chart must be used to continue the journey. You should always carry more blank charts than you think you’ll need.
How many days does a driver’s smart card normally cover?
28 days - The smart card will record information covering a period of about 28 days. If you use it beyond this period, some of the recorded information will be overwritten.
When must an analogue tachograph be recalibrated?
Every six years - When an analogue tachograph is installed and calibrated, an installation plaque is fixed near the tachograph. This shows the date of the most recent tachograph calibration. Under EU rules, this must take place every six years.
The time is 10.00 am. You’ve been driving non-stop since 6.00 am. Under EU rules, what’s the longest you may now drive without a break?
30 mins - The maximum driving period under EU rules is 4 hours 30 minutes. After this, you must take a break of at least 45 minutes.
Planning your route will allow you to take your statutory rest periods in a safe place, such as a service area, where you can get food, drink and a rest.
Where should you park your trailer if you have to leave it unattended?
On secure premises - Theft of vehicles is common. You’re responsible for the safety and security of your vehicle and trailer. Try to avoid leaving any trailer unattended unless it’s on approved secure premises.
The analogue tachograph on your vehicle becomes faulty. How long do you have before you must have it repaired?
One week - If the tachograph on your vehicle becomes faulty, you should take it to an approved tachograph repairer as soon as possible. If you can’t return to your base within a week of finding the fault, it must be repaired while you’re away. While the tachograph is faulty or broken, you must keep a manual record of your activities.
Your vehicle is fitted with an analogue tachograph. What should you do if you need to exceed the normal drivers’ hours due to an emergency?
Continue using the same tachograph chart and write an explanation on the back - In an emergency, you may exceed the drivers’ hours rules. As long as road safety isn’t put at risk, you can drive for longer to deliver your passengers, your vehicle or its load to safety. In these circumstances, you should note all the reasons on the back of your tachograph chart.
Under EU rules, your daily rest can be reduced to 9 hours. For how many times between weekly rest periods is this allowed?
Three times - Under EU rules, you must have a minimum daily rest of 11 consecutive hours. However, you may reduce this to 9 hours up to three times between weekly rest periods
What should you do if you have to leave your vehicle unattended for a very short time?
Secure the vehicle and lock the doors - Take all the precautions you can to remove opportunities for theft. Lock your vehicle, especially when making deliveries and leaving the vehicle unattended.
What should you do to prevent your load from being stolen?
Make sure all doors and windows are locked - Be careful of giving lifts to strangers; some employers actively discourage it. Allowing strangers in your cab or telling people about your load could put the security of your vehicle and load at risk, and may put you in danger.
An enforcement officer keeps one of your tachograph charts. Who should sign the back of the replacement chart?
The officer - When an enforcement officer keeps a record chart, the driver should ask the officer to sign the back of the replacement chart. They’ll need to give their name, telephone number and the number of charts they’ve kept. The replacement chart must be used to continue the journey. You should always carry more blank charts than you think you’ll need.
What security precautions should you take if you’re carrying a high-value load and have to park and sleep overnight in the cab?
Make sure the doors and windows are secure - Both your load and your vehicle can be a target for thieves. Taking simple precautions, such as securing the windows and doors, can deter thieves and help ensure your own safety.
Under EU rules, your minimum daily rest is 11 hours. On three days of the week this may be reduced to what length of time?
9 hours - Under EU rules, you must have a minimum daily rest of 11 consecutive hours. A reduced daily rest period is any period of rest of at least 9 hours, but less than 11 hours.
What can happen to drivers who break EU tachograph regulations?
They can be heavily fined - The driver must take responsibility and follow the drivers’ hours and tachograph rules. Failure to do so can result in legal action and penalties - such as a fine.
How can you find out when an analogue tachograph was last recalibrated?
From a plaque on or near the tachograph - An analogue tachograph must be checked every two years and recalibrated every six years. A plaque on or near the tachograph will show when it was last checked.
When should your trailer be fitted with a kingpin or drawbar lock?
When it’s left unattended - A kingpin or drawbar lock is a visible and effective deterrent to thieves wishing to steal an unattended trailer.
A vehicle fitted with an analogue tachograph has two drivers. How should they use the tachograph?
Use their own tachograph chart - Your tachograph chart is your personal work record and should only reflect the hours that you drive or do other work. The law says that these charts should be held on file by your employer for at least one year. Enforcement officers can ask for charts to be handed over for inspection.
How often must an analogue tachograph be checked at an approved calibration centre?
Every two years - An analogue tachograph must be checked every two years and recalibrated and sealed every six years. This must be done at an approved calibration centre. Digital tachographs, unlike analogue ones, must be recalibrated every two years.
Driving - Each activity has a different symbol. You should know what they mean, so that you can select the correct one. You’re responsible for recording all your activities correctly.
Some tachographs don’t have a ‘driving’ mode switch. These tachographs will automatically record driving time whenever the vehicle is moved, whatever mode the switch is set to.
While you’re driving, you notice your tachograph isn’t working. What should you do?
Continue your journey but make a manual record - If you can’t return to base within a week of the tachograph becoming defective, it must be repaired during the journey. While it’s broken, you must keep a manual record.
What does a tachograph record?
Driving time - The tachograph is a tool designed to help you be a safe and responsible driver. The tachograph records details of your journey, including time driven, speed and rest periods.
The time is 10.00 am. You’ve been driving non-stop since 6.00 am. Under EU rules, what’s the longest you may now drive without a break?
30 minutes - The maximum driving period under EU rules is 4 hours 30 minutes. After this, you must take a break of at least 45 minutes.
Planning your route will allow you to take your statutory rest periods in a safe place, such as a service area, where you can get food, drink and a rest.
You’re often involved in the carrying of high-value goods. What security measures can you adopt?
Vary your routes and rest stops - When carrying high-value goods, you can become a target for thieves. Avoid developing a set routine or pattern. Vary your routes whenever possible to make it difficult for thieves to predict when and where your cargo can be intercepted.
Why should you carry spare tachograph charts?
To replace the original chart if it gets dirty - Your employer should supply enough approved charts for your journey. They should include spares in case any get damaged or are taken by an authorised inspecting officer.
Under EU rules, what’s the normal weekly rest period that must be taken?
45 hours - The working week is defined as from 00.00 hours on Monday to 24.00 hours on the following Sunday. When taking the weekly rest period, a daily rest period must normally be extended to at least 45 consecutive hours.
How long is a digital tachograph driver smart card valid?
Five years - Digital tachograph driver smart cards are valid for a maximum of five years. You should receive a reminder about three months before the expiry date. However, it’s your responsibility to make sure that you apply for a new card at least 15 days before the old one expires.
Which symbol on your tachograph shows your break/rest period?
What must you do when using a vehicle fitted with an analogue tachograph?
Carry enough approved charts - Make sure you carry enough approved tachograph charts for your journey. Store your spare charts in a plastic wallet to keep them clean and undamaged.
