DTT HGV Tachograph Rules 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What does 'Mode 1' (rest symbol — bed icon) on a digital tachograph indicate?
- The driver is on a qualifying rest period (Correct answer)
- The vehicle is parked with engine off
- The driver is on a legal break
- The driver is available but not resting
Correct answer: The driver is on a qualifying rest period
Mode 1 (the rest/bed symbol) on a digital tachograph records a rest period. This counts toward the driver's daily and weekly rest requirements under EU Regulation 561/2006.
Question 2: What is the tachograph mode symbol for 'other work'?
- A hammer or crossed hammers (tools) (Correct answer)
- A steering wheel
- A bed
- An hourglass
Correct answer: A hammer or crossed hammers (tools)
Other work is represented by a hammer or crossed hammers on the tachograph. This covers non-driving work activities such as loading, unloading, administration, or vehicle maintenance.
Question 3: What happens to tachograph data if a driver removes their card from the digital unit mid-shift?
- The vehicle's internal memory continues recording all data — it is not lost (Correct answer)
- Recording stops entirely until the card is reinserted
- The vehicle logs an offence automatically
- Data for the entire shift is wiped
Correct answer: The vehicle's internal memory continues recording all data — it is not lost
The vehicle's tachograph unit has its own internal memory (VU) that records continuously regardless of whether a driver card is inserted. Removing the card mid-shift does not delete or stop recording.
Question 4: Which authority is primarily responsible for enforcing tachograph regulations in Ireland?
- An Garda Síochána and the Road Safety Authority (RSA) (Correct answer)
- Revenue Commissioners
- Department of Transport only
- The employer's transport manager
Correct answer: An Garda Síochána and the Road Safety Authority (RSA)
Tachograph compliance is enforced by An Garda Síochána at roadside checks and by RSA inspectors at roadside or depot inspections. Both authorities have legal powers to demand records and issue penalties.
Question 5: What is a 'tachograph centre' and what is its role?
- An RSA-approved workshop that installs, calibrates, and repairs tachographs (Correct answer)
- A government office that stores driver records
- A commercial training facility for tachograph use
- A centre that issues digital driver cards to drivers
Correct answer: An RSA-approved workshop that installs, calibrates, and repairs tachographs
A tachograph centre is an RSA-approved workshop authorised to install, calibrate, seal, and repair tachograph equipment. Only approved centres may perform these tasks — tampered seals indicate illegal interference.
Question 6: How often must a digital tachograph be calibrated?
- At least every 2 years or following any repair or modification to the odometer or vehicle (Correct answer)
- Every 5 years as part of major vehicle service
- Only when the vehicle is first registered
- When the driver card is renewed every 5 years
Correct answer: At least every 2 years or following any repair or modification to the odometer or vehicle
Digital tachographs must be calibrated by an approved centre at least every 2 years. Recalibration is also required after repairs affecting the speed sensor or odometer.
DTT HGV Tachograph Rules 3
What does 'Mode 1' (rest symbol — bed icon) on a digital tachograph indicate?