DTT HGV Drivers Hours — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Under EU Regulation 561/2006, what is the maximum continuous driving time before a break is required?
- 4 hours 30 minutes (Correct answer)
- 3 hours
- 5 hours
- 6 hours
Correct answer: 4 hours 30 minutes
A driver must take a break of at least 45 minutes after no more than 4 hours 30 minutes of driving. The break can be replaced by a break of at least 15 minutes followed by a break of at least 30 minutes, distributed over the 4.5-hour period.
Question 2: What is the difference between 'other work' and 'availability' as recorded on a tachograph?
- 'Other work' is any work activity other than driving (loading, maintenance); 'availability' is waiting time where the driver is not required to remain at their post but must be available (Correct answer)
- They are the same thing
- 'Other work' is paid; 'availability' is unpaid
- 'Other work' is driving; 'availability' is rest
Correct answer: 'Other work' is any work activity other than driving (loading, maintenance); 'availability' is waiting time where the driver is not required to remain at their post but must be available
'Other work' includes all work activities for any employer: loading/unloading, vehicle checks, paperwork, and maintenance. 'Availability' (also called 'period of availability') is time spent waiting where the duration is known in advance and the driver is not required to remain at the workplace.
Question 3: A driver starts work at 06:00. By what time must their daily driving period end if they take the minimum break requirements?
- The calculation depends on driving hours, not clock time — the daily driving limit is 9 hours (or 10 hours twice per week) within any 24-hour period (Correct answer)
- By 14:00 (8 hours later)
- By 18:00 always
- There is no daily end time requirement
Correct answer: The calculation depends on driving hours, not clock time — the daily driving limit is 9 hours (or 10 hours twice per week) within any 24-hour period
EU rules limit total DRIVING time (9 or 10 hours), not clock hours. A driver starting at 06:00 could spread 9 hours of driving across a longer period with breaks and other work. The 24-hour period ends when the next daily rest begins.
Question 4: What is a 'multi-manning' situation under EU drivers' hours rules?
- When two or more drivers are present in the vehicle, allowing different driving and rest arrangements (Correct answer)
- When a driver works for multiple employers
- When a vehicle carries multiple types of cargo
- When a driver drives multiple vehicles in one day
Correct answer: When two or more drivers are present in the vehicle, allowing different driving and rest arrangements
Multi-manning occurs when two or more drivers are in the vehicle. During the first hour, the second driver's time is 'availability'. After the first hour, the second driver's time can be recorded as rest. Both driver cards must be inserted into the tachograph.
Question 5: A driver has driven 50 hours in the current week. How many more hours can they drive this week?
- 6 hours (maximum weekly driving time is 56 hours) (Correct answer)
- 10 hours
- No more hours — they have reached the limit
- 8 hours
Correct answer: 6 hours (maximum weekly driving time is 56 hours)
The maximum weekly driving time is 56 hours. With 50 hours already driven, the driver can drive a maximum of 6 more hours this week. However, they must also consider the fortnightly limit of 90 hours across two consecutive weeks.
Question 6: Under what circumstances can a driver exceed the EU driving time limits?
- Only to reach a suitable stopping place for safety reasons, provided road safety is not jeopardised and the reason is recorded on the tachograph printout (Correct answer)
- Whenever the employer requests it
- If the driver has had extra rest the previous day
- EU driving limits can never be exceeded
Correct answer: Only to reach a suitable stopping place for safety reasons, provided road safety is not jeopardised and the reason is recorded on the tachograph printout
Article 12 of Regulation 561/2006 allows a driver to depart from the rules to the extent necessary to reach a suitable stopping place, provided road safety is not jeopardised. The reason must be recorded manually on the tachograph printout or on the driver card.
DTT HGV Drivers Hours
Under EU Regulation 561/2006, what is the maximum continuous driving time before a break is required?