DTT HGV Driver Hours – EU Regulations 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the minimum weekly rest requirement for a commercial driver?
- A regular weekly rest of 45 consecutive hours — reducible to 24 hours (reduced weekly rest) with conditions (Correct answer)
- 36 hours per week minimum
- 24 hours every 7 days
- 48 hours every two weeks
Correct answer: A regular weekly rest of 45 consecutive hours — reducible to 24 hours (reduced weekly rest) with conditions
Regular weekly rest is 45 consecutive hours. It may be reduced to 24 hours (reduced weekly rest) no more than twice in any four consecutive weeks. Any reduction must be compensated within 3 weeks.
Question 2: When must the 45-hour weekly rest begin?
- Within 6 consecutive days from the end of the previous weekly rest period (Correct answer)
- At the end of the working week (Friday evening)
- After 56 hours of accumulated driving
- At a fixed time set by the employer
Correct answer: Within 6 consecutive days from the end of the previous weekly rest period
A weekly rest period must begin within 6 consecutive days after the end of the previous weekly rest. This means drivers cannot work more than 6 days consecutively without a weekly rest.
Question 3: What is the maximum driving time in any two consecutive weeks?
- 90 hours over two consecutive weeks (Correct answer)
- 112 hours (two weeks at 56 hours each)
- 80 hours over two consecutive weeks
- 100 hours with employer approval
Correct answer: 90 hours over two consecutive weeks
Even though a driver can drive up to 56 hours in one week, the total for any two consecutive weeks must not exceed 90 hours. This prevents every week being a maximum week.
Question 4: A driver starts a daily rest at 18:00. When is the earliest they can resume driving under a regular 11-hour daily rest?
- 05:00 the following morning (18:00 + 11 hours) (Correct answer)
- 06:00 — a minimum of 12 hours must be allowed
- 04:00 — if driving commences before 06:00 the rest is extended
- 07:00 — early morning starts require extended rest
Correct answer: 05:00 the following morning (18:00 + 11 hours)
Regular daily rest is 11 consecutive hours. Starting rest at 18:00 means the earliest resume time is 05:00 (18:00 + 11 hours). The driver may not start driving before this time.
Question 5: What activities are prohibited during a driver's mandatory break period?
- Driving and all other work activities — the driver must not drive or undertake any working duties (Correct answer)
- Driving only — administrative tasks during breaks are permitted
- Driving and loading only
- Only security-related duties are allowed during breaks
Correct answer: Driving and all other work activities — the driver must not drive or undertake any working duties
During a mandatory break, the driver must not drive OR carry out any other work. Administrative duties, communicating with dispatch, or assisting with loading during a break invalidates it.
Question 6: What is a 'multi-manning' arrangement and how does it affect rest requirements?
- Two drivers in the vehicle simultaneously — the co-driver may take their daily rest (min 9 hours) in a moving vehicle (Correct answer)
- Drivers alternating shifts without both being present
- Sharing driving between three or more drivers on a single journey
- A driving roster system for depot shifts
Correct answer: Two drivers in the vehicle simultaneously — the co-driver may take their daily rest (min 9 hours) in a moving vehicle
Multi-manning means two drivers are in the vehicle at the same time. The co-driver (not driving) may take their daily rest in the moving vehicle (minimum 9 hours), allowing the vehicle to travel further without stopping.
DTT HGV Driver Hours – EU Regulations 2
What is the minimum weekly rest requirement for a commercial driver?