LGV Tachograph Rules & Drivers' Hours 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the purpose of a tachograph analysis check?
- To verify drivers comply with hours rules and detect infringements (Correct answer)
- To calculate fuel consumption
- To record vehicle faults
- To calculate driver pay
Correct answer: To verify drivers comply with hours rules and detect infringements
Tachograph analysis examines records to ensure drivers are complying with driving time, break, and rest regulations. Operators must regularly analyse records to detect and address any infringements.
Question 2: How often must an operator download data from a digital tachograph vehicle unit?
- At least every 90 days (Correct answer)
- At least every 28 days
- At least every 56 days
- At least every 120 days
Correct answer: At least every 90 days
Operators must download data from the vehicle unit at least every 90 days. Driver card data must be downloaded at least every 28 days.
Question 3: Under the EU drivers' hours rules, what is a 'week' defined as?
- The period from 00:00 Monday to 24:00 Sunday (Correct answer)
- Any consecutive 7-day period
- A period beginning at the start of the first shift
- Monday to Friday only
Correct answer: The period from 00:00 Monday to 24:00 Sunday
Under EU Regulation 561/2006, a 'week' is defined as the period from 00:00 on Monday to 24:00 on Sunday. This is important for calculating weekly driving limits and weekly rest.
Question 4: Can a driver use a ferry crossing as a rest period?
- Yes, if it lasts at least one hour and a suitable sleeping facility is available (Correct answer)
- No, ferry crossings never count as rest
- Yes, any ferry crossing counts as rest regardless of duration
- Only if the driver is off the vehicle
Correct answer: Yes, if it lasts at least one hour and a suitable sleeping facility is available
A driver can take their regular or reduced daily rest on a ferry or train if the crossing is at least one hour, a suitable bunk or couchette is available, and it is used for sleeping.
Question 5: What must a driver do if their tachograph malfunctions?
- Make manual records on paper and have the unit repaired within 7 days (Correct answer)
- Stop driving immediately
- Report to DVSA and wait for authorisation to continue
- Switch to the spare tachograph unit
Correct answer: Make manual records on paper and have the unit repaired within 7 days
If the tachograph malfunctions, the driver must make manual records of their activities on paper (printout or back of tachograph chart). The unit must be repaired at an approved fitter within 7 days of return to base.
Question 6: Which of the following vehicles is exempt from EU tachograph rules?
- Vehicles used for the carriage of goods with a maximum authorised mass not exceeding 3.5 tonnes (Correct answer)
- All vehicles used for agricultural purposes
- Vehicles travelling less than 100 km
- Vehicles used only at night
Correct answer: Vehicles used for the carriage of goods with a maximum authorised mass not exceeding 3.5 tonnes
Vehicles with a maximum authorised mass (MAM) of 3.5 tonnes or less are generally exempt from EU tachograph requirements. Many other exemptions also exist for specific vehicle types and operations.
LGV Tachograph Rules & Drivers' Hours 3
What is the purpose of a tachograph analysis check?