DTT HGV Driver Hours – EU Regulations 4 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which drivers are exempt from EU Regulation 561/2006?
- Drivers of vehicles under 3.5 tonnes GVW, certain emergency vehicles, and vehicles on journeys within 100km of base in limited sectors (Correct answer)
- All drivers in Ireland — national rules apply instead
- Drivers with fewer than 2 years experience only
- Self-employed drivers are always exempt
Correct answer: Drivers of vehicles under 3.5 tonnes GVW, certain emergency vehicles, and vehicles on journeys within 100km of base in limited sectors
Key exemptions include vehicles under 3.5 tonnes GVW, emergency service vehicles, certain vehicles used for agricultural or forestry work, and certain national carriage operations within specific radius limits.
Question 2: What is the 'regular weekly rest' and what is the 'reduced weekly rest' under EU rules?
- Regular = at least 45 consecutive hours; reduced = at least 24 consecutive hours (maximum 2 times in 4 weeks) (Correct answer)
- Regular = 56 hours; reduced = 45 hours
- Regular = 48 hours; reduced = 36 hours
- Regular = 45 hours split; reduced = 24 hours continuous
Correct answer: Regular = at least 45 consecutive hours; reduced = at least 24 consecutive hours (maximum 2 times in 4 weeks)
Regular weekly rest is at least 45 consecutive hours. Reduced weekly rest is at least 24 consecutive hours, permitted no more than twice in any four consecutive weeks, with compensation required.
Question 3: What does EU Regulation 561/2006 say about 'other work' for commercial drivers?
- Other work (loading, admin, maintenance) counts toward working time but not driving time — it does not trigger the driving break requirement
- Other work counts as driving time if done in the cab
- Other work during a break invalidates the break (Correct answer)
- Other work is unregulated — only driving time is restricted
Correct answer: Other work during a break invalidates the break
Other work does not count as driving time under EU 561/2006, but it does count as working time. Critically, performing other work during a break invalidates that break — a break must involve neither driving nor other work.
Question 4: If a driver is sick and unable to drive for two days, how should this time be recorded?
- As non-availability using the appropriate tachograph mode or manual entry on the driver card (Correct answer)
- As rest time — illness days count toward weekly rest
- No recording is needed — only driving periods must be recorded
- As driving time to maintain accurate weekly totals
Correct answer: As non-availability using the appropriate tachograph mode or manual entry on the driver card
Sick days should be recorded as non-availability on the tachograph. A doctor's certificate should be kept. Sick leave does not count toward mandatory rest requirements but is recorded for completeness.
Question 5: Can a driver's daily driving time be extended in an emergency?
- Yes — in genuine emergencies (road safety situations) driving may exceed limits, but the extension must be brief and noted on tachograph records (Correct answer)
- No — no circumstances permit exceeding the daily limit
- Yes — an extra 2 hours is always permitted if the employer approves
- Yes — but only with advance approval from the Road Safety Authority
Correct answer: Yes — in genuine emergencies (road safety situations) driving may exceed limits, but the extension must be brief and noted on tachograph records
EU Regulation 561/2006 allows derogation in genuine road safety emergencies. The driver should note the reason on the tachograph chart or record. This is not a general extension — it applies only in real emergencies.
Question 6: What is the maximum period a driver may be 'on duty' (working and available) in any 24-hour period under EU rules?
- No more than 13 hours total (driving + other work) before a daily rest, but effectively limited by driving limits (Correct answer)
- 16 hours including all breaks
- 12 hours excluding rest periods
- 10 hours on duty with no exceptions
Correct answer: No more than 13 hours total (driving + other work) before a daily rest, but effectively limited by driving limits
While EU 561/2006 focuses on driving time, the combination of driving time limits (9 hours) and rest requirements (11 hours) leaves a practical maximum of 13 hours for driving plus other work in any 24-hour period.
DTT HGV Driver Hours – EU Regulations 4
Which drivers are exempt from EU Regulation 561/2006?