DTT HGV Driver Hours – EU Regulations 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Can a driver take a split daily rest period, and if so, what are the rules?
- Yes — split into two periods: first at least 3 hours, second at least 9 hours, totalling at least 12 hours (Correct answer)
- No — daily rest must always be continuous
- Yes — split into any two periods totalling 11 hours
- Only permitted for bus drivers on long-distance routes
Correct answer: Yes — split into two periods: first at least 3 hours, second at least 9 hours, totalling at least 12 hours
Daily rest may be split into two periods if the first period is at least 3 hours and the second is at least 9 hours. The total must be at least 12 hours. The order is fixed — 3 hours first, then 9 hours.
Question 2: What happens if a driver's reduced weekly rest creates a compensatory rest obligation?
- The reduction must be compensated en bloc before the end of the third week following the week of reduction (Correct answer)
- Compensation is automatic — the next week's driving limit is reduced accordingly
- No compensation is required if the employer approves the reduction
- The driver takes an extra daily rest in the following week
Correct answer: The reduction must be compensated en bloc before the end of the third week following the week of reduction
When a driver takes a reduced weekly rest (24-hour minimum), the reduction must be compensated by attaching equivalent rest to another rest period before the end of the third week following the reduction.
Question 3: A bus driver has been driving for 4 hours and has accumulated 30 minutes of breaks. Can they continue driving?
- Yes — they have only driven 4 hours and can drive another 30 minutes before reaching the 4.5-hour limit (Correct answer)
- No — after 4 hours driving, a full 45-minute break is required
- Yes — 30 minutes of breaks already taken satisfies the break requirement
- No — 4 hours driving automatically triggers a break regardless of time remaining
Correct answer: Yes — they have only driven 4 hours and can drive another 30 minutes before reaching the 4.5-hour limit
The 4.5-hour driving limit allows the driver to continue for another 30 minutes. However, if the 30 minutes already taken are in one piece, the second portion of a split break (30 minutes) has already been taken — sequence matters.
Question 4: What is the 'fortnightly rule' in EU driver hours regulations?
- In any two consecutive weeks, total driving must not exceed 90 hours (Correct answer)
- A full 45-hour weekly rest must be taken every two weeks at minimum
- Working time must not exceed 80 hours over any two-week period
- Driving diaries must be submitted to employers every two weeks
Correct answer: In any two consecutive weeks, total driving must not exceed 90 hours
The fortnightly rule limits total driving in any two consecutive weeks to 90 hours. This prevents drivers from taking a maximum 56-hour week every week.
Question 5: Under EU rules, how must weekly rest be taken in relation to the vehicle?
- Regular weekly rest (45 hours) must not normally be taken in a vehicle — it should be taken at a suitable location (Correct answer)
- Weekly rest may be taken in the vehicle at the driver's discretion
- Weekly rest must always be taken at the driver's home address
- There is no restriction on where weekly rest is taken
Correct answer: Regular weekly rest (45 hours) must not normally be taken in a vehicle — it should be taken at a suitable location
Under EU Regulation 561/2006 as amended, regular weekly rest (45+ hours) must not normally be taken in a vehicle. Drivers should use suitable accommodation. Reduced weekly rest of 24 hours may be taken in a vehicle.
Question 6: What derogation (exemption) exists for ferry or train journeys during a rest period?
- Daily rest may be interrupted once for up to 1 hour total for ferry/train embarkation — rest is extended by the interruption time (Correct answer)
- Ferry journeys automatically extend the daily rest period
- Rest taken on a ferry counts at double rate
- Interruptions during rest are never permitted under EU rules
Correct answer: Daily rest may be interrupted once for up to 1 hour total for ferry/train embarkation — rest is extended by the interruption time
Where a driver accompanies a vehicle on a ferry or train, the daily rest may be interrupted once. The interruption must not exceed 1 hour in total and the rest must be extended accordingly.
DTT HGV Driver Hours – EU Regulations 3
Can a driver take a split daily rest period, and if so, what are the rules?