DTT HGV Driver Hours – EU Regulations 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the maximum daily driving time under EU Regulation 561/2006?
- 9 hours — extendable to 10 hours no more than twice per week (Correct answer)
- 8 hours with no extension permitted
- 10 hours every day
- 9 hours with no extension permitted
Correct answer: 9 hours — extendable to 10 hours no more than twice per week
The maximum daily driving time is 9 hours. This can be extended to 10 hours on no more than two days in any calendar week. All driving is measured from the end of the previous daily rest.
Question 2: What is the maximum weekly driving time under EU Regulation 561/2006?
- 56 hours in any single week (Correct answer)
- 60 hours in any single week
- 48 hours averaged over 17 weeks
- 45 hours per week with no extension
Correct answer: 56 hours in any single week
The maximum driving time in any single week is 56 hours. However, the maximum over any two consecutive weeks is 90 hours — this prevents consistently high weekly driving totals.
Question 3: After how many hours of continuous driving must a driver take a break?
- After 4.5 hours of driving — a break of at least 45 minutes is required (Correct answer)
- After 5 hours — a 30-minute break is required
- After 6 hours — a 45-minute break is required
- After 4 hours — a 20-minute break is required
Correct answer: After 4.5 hours of driving — a break of at least 45 minutes is required
After driving for 4.5 hours continuously (or 4.5 hours accumulated), a driver must take a break of at least 45 minutes before driving again. The break may be split into 15 minutes followed by 30 minutes.
Question 4: Can the mandatory 45-minute break after 4.5 hours be split?
- Yes — it can be split into a first break of at least 15 minutes followed by a second of at least 30 minutes (Correct answer)
- No — it must be taken as one continuous 45-minute break
- Yes — it can be split into three equal 15-minute breaks
- Only in double-manned vehicles
Correct answer: Yes — it can be split into a first break of at least 15 minutes followed by a second of at least 30 minutes
The 45-minute break may be replaced by a 15-minute break followed by a 30-minute break. The 15-minute portion must come first. During breaks, the driver must not drive or do other work.
Question 5: What is the minimum daily rest period for a truck or bus driver?
- 11 consecutive hours — reducible to 9 hours (reduced rest) no more than 3 times between weekly rests (Correct answer)
- 8 hours of continuous sleep
- 10 hours — no reduction permitted
- 9 hours with no extension
Correct answer: 11 consecutive hours — reducible to 9 hours (reduced rest) no more than 3 times between weekly rests
The standard daily rest is 11 consecutive hours. It may be reduced to 9 consecutive hours (reduced daily rest) no more than 3 times between any two consecutive weekly rest periods.
Question 6: Can a daily rest be taken in a vehicle?
- Yes — if the vehicle is stationary and has a suitable sleeping berth (Correct answer)
- No — daily rest must always be taken in approved accommodation
- Only in the cab if the journey is less than 500 km
- Yes — but only the reduced 9-hour rest may be taken in the vehicle
Correct answer: Yes — if the vehicle is stationary and has a suitable sleeping berth
Daily rest may be taken in the vehicle if it is stationary and the vehicle is equipped with a suitable sleeping berth. This is a common practice for long-distance truck drivers.
DTT HGV Driver Hours – EU Regulations 1
What is the maximum daily driving time under EU Regulation 561/2006?