PCV Tachograph & Drivers' Hours (PCV) 4

Question 1

How long must an operator retain digital tachograph vehicle unit data?

Accepted Answer

At least 12 months after it was recorded

Answer

Vehicle unit data must be downloaded and retained by the operator for at least 12 months. Regular downloads (at least every 90 days from the VU) ensure data is preserved before it is overwritten.

Question 2

What does the 'POA' (Period of Availability) mode on a tachograph mean for a PCV driver?

Accepted Answer

Time when the driver is available but not driving or working — such as waiting at a terminus for the return journey

Answer

POA (Period of Availability) is recorded when the driver is available to work but not actively doing so — such as waiting at a terminus, waiting during loading, or accompanying a vehicle on a ferry. It is not rest, but it is not other work either.

Question 3

What happens if a PCV driver uses someone else's tachograph card?

Accepted Answer

This is a serious criminal offence — driver identity fraud that can result in prosecution and loss of licence

Answer

Using another person's driver card is identity fraud and a criminal offence. Tachograph records must accurately reflect the actual driver. Misuse of driver cards is taken extremely seriously by enforcement authorities and Traffic Commissioners.

Question 4

A PCV driver on a long-distance coach service is asked by the operator to drive beyond their permitted hours. What should the driver do?

Accepted Answer

Refuse — a driver must not exceed hours limits regardless of operator instructions; compliance is the driver's personal responsibility

Answer

Compliance with drivers' hours is the driver's personal legal responsibility. An operator cannot authorise an illegal breach of hours limits. The driver should refuse and the operator should make alternative arrangements. No written authorisation makes an hours breach legal.

Question 5

What is the 'regular weekly rest' compensation rule when a PCV driver takes a reduced weekly rest?

Accepted Answer

The reduction must be compensated by an equivalent block of rest taken en bloc before the end of the third week following the reduced rest

Answer

When a reduced weekly rest (minimum 24 hours) is taken, the shortfall compared to the 45-hour regular rest must be compensated in one block before the end of the third week following. The same rule applies to PCV and LGV drivers.

DVSA UK Driving Theory Practice Test

DVSA UK Driving Theory Practice Test

PCV Tachograph & Drivers' Hours (PCV) 4