PCV Tachograph & Drivers' Hours (PCV) 5

Question 1

Under UK Working Time Regulations for mobile workers, what is the maximum number of hours that can be worked in any single week?

Accepted Answer

60 hours in any single week (as part of a 48-hour average over 17 weeks)

Answer

Mobile workers (including PCV drivers) can work up to 60 hours in any single week, provided the average over the 17-week reference period does not exceed 48 hours. This allows flexibility while protecting health in the long term.

Question 2

What counts as 'working time' under the Working Time Regulations for a PCV driver?

Accepted Answer

All time spent driving, all other work time, and time spent available and required to be at the employer's disposal — not rest, break, or POA

Answer

Working time includes all driving time, all other work (administration, loading, cleaning), and all time the driver is at the employer's disposal and required to be available to work. Rest periods, breaks, and POA (period of availability) do not count as working time.

Question 3

What is 'night work' for PCV drivers under Working Time Regulations and what limit applies?

Accepted Answer

Night work is work between 00:00 and 04:00 — drivers regularly working nights are limited to 10 hours work in any 24-hour period during night working

Answer

Night time for mobile workers is defined as 00:00 to 04:00. Workers who regularly work during this period must not work more than 10 hours in any 24-hour period. Regular health assessments should be offered to night workers.

Question 4

Can a PCV driver opt out of the 48-hour average working week limit?

Accepted Answer

No — mobile workers (including PCV drivers) cannot opt out of the 48-hour average limit unlike non-mobile workers

Answer

Unlike non-mobile workers who can opt out of the 48-hour average, mobile workers (defined by the Mobile Workers Directive) cannot opt out. The 48-hour average is a firm cap for PCV and LGV drivers, not waivable by individual agreement.

Question 5

What must happen if a PCV driver works 6 hours continuously without a break?

Accepted Answer

A break of at least 30 minutes must be taken — EU rules require a break after 6 hours of work time under Working Time Regulations

Answer

Under the Working Time Regulations for mobile workers, if work exceeds 6 hours, a break of at least 30 minutes must be taken. If work exceeds 9 hours, a further 15-minute break is required (total 45 minutes). These apply on top of drivers' hours break requirements.

DVSA UK Driving Theory Practice Test

DVSA UK Driving Theory Practice Test

PCV Tachograph & Drivers' Hours (PCV) 5