CPC Drivers Hours and Tachographs 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the regular weekly rest period for an HGV driver?
- 24 consecutive hours
- 35 consecutive hours
- 45 consecutive hours (Correct answer)
- 48 consecutive hours
Correct answer: 45 consecutive hours
The regular weekly rest period is 45 consecutive hours. This can be reduced to 24 consecutive hours every other week, but the reduction must be compensated for within the following three weeks.
Question 2: What happens if a driver's digital tachograph card is lost or stolen?
- They can continue driving indefinitely without one
- They must apply for a replacement within 7 days and may only drive without it for a maximum of 15 days (Correct answer)
- They must stop driving immediately and permanently
- They can use a colleague's card instead
Correct answer: They must apply for a replacement within 7 days and may only drive without it for a maximum of 15 days
If a card is lost or stolen, the driver must apply for a replacement within 7 calendar days and can continue driving without the card for a maximum of 15 calendar days, provided they can produce printouts from the tachograph at the start and end of each journey.
Question 3: What is 'other work' on a tachograph?
- Any driving on public roads
- Any work activity other than driving, such as loading, unloading, or vehicle checks (Correct answer)
- Rest taken away from the vehicle
- Driving a personal car
Correct answer: Any work activity other than driving, such as loading, unloading, or vehicle checks
'Other work' includes any work-related activity other than driving, such as loading/unloading, vehicle checks, supervising loading, paperwork, or cleaning the vehicle. It must be recorded on the tachograph.
Question 4: What is 'period of availability' (POA) on a tachograph?
- Time spent driving
- Waiting time where the driver knows in advance how long the wait will be (Correct answer)
- The driver's lunch break
- Time spent on vehicle repairs
Correct answer: Waiting time where the driver knows in advance how long the wait will be
Period of availability (POA) is time during which the driver is not required to stay at their workstation but must be available to resume work. The driver must know the expected duration in advance. Examples include waiting during loading/unloading or accompanying a vehicle on a ferry.
Question 5: How often must data from a digital tachograph vehicle unit be downloaded?
- Every day
- At least every 90 days (Correct answer)
- Every 6 months
- Only during MOT inspections
Correct answer: At least every 90 days
Data from the vehicle unit must be downloaded at least every 90 days. Driver card data must be downloaded at least every 28 days. These records must be retained for at least 12 months.
Question 6: What is the penalty for falsifying tachograph records in the UK?
- A verbal warning
- A fixed penalty notice of £50
- An unlimited fine and/or up to 2 years imprisonment (Correct answer)
- Loss of driving licence for 1 month
Correct answer: An unlimited fine and/or up to 2 years imprisonment
Falsifying tachograph records is a serious criminal offence in the UK, punishable by an unlimited fine and/or up to 2 years imprisonment. The DVSA actively investigates suspected falsification.
CPC Drivers Hours and Tachographs 2
What is the regular weekly rest period for an HGV driver?