PCV Drivers Hours and Tachograph Rules 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: If a PCV driver's tachograph card is lost or stolen, within how many days must they apply for a replacement?
- 3 days
- 5 days
- 7 days (Correct answer)
- 10 days
Correct answer: 7 days
A replacement driver card must be applied for within 7 calendar days of loss or theft.
When a digital tachograph card is lost, stolen, damaged, or malfunctions, the driver must notify the issuing authority and apply for a replacement card within 7 calendar days. In the meantime, the driver must print a tachograph record at the start and end of each working day.
Question 2: What is the minimum weekly rest period a PCV driver must take under EU rules?
- 24 hours
- 35 hours (Correct answer)
- 45 hours
- 56 hours
Correct answer: 35 hours
The regular weekly rest is 45 hours; the minimum reduced weekly rest is 24 hours.
The normal weekly rest period is 45 consecutive hours. This can be reduced to a minimum of 24 hours (a reduced weekly rest), but the reduction must be compensated by an equivalent rest taken en bloc before the end of the third week following the week in question.
Question 3: What mode should a tachograph be set to when the driver is waiting at a bus terminus between scheduled journeys?
- Drive
- Other work
- Rest
- Availability (POA) (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Availability (POA)
Periods of availability (POA) cover times when the driver is waiting but must remain available — such as at a terminus.
The tachograph symbol for 'Period of Availability' (POA) — the horizontal bar — should be used when a driver is not driving but is required to be available at short notice, such as waiting for passengers at a terminus or layover point. This time does not count as a break.
Question 4: On an analogue tachograph, which chart symbol represents 'other work'?
- A steering wheel
- A single horizontal bar
- A cross or hammer (Correct answer)
- A double-waved line
Correct answer: A cross or hammer
A cross or hammer-type symbol denotes 'other work' on an analogue tachograph chart.
Analogue tachograph charts use internationally standardised symbols: a steering wheel for driving, a bed for rest, a horizontal bar for availability (POA), and a crossed/hammer symbol for 'other work' such as loading, cleaning, or administrative duties. Correctly setting the mode ensures accurate records.
Question 5: How long must a PCV operator retain tachograph records?
- 6 months
- 1 year
- 2 years (Correct answer)
- 5 years
Correct answer: 2 years
Tachograph records must be retained by operators for a minimum of 2 years.
Under EU regulations, operators must keep tachograph records — both the digital data downloaded from the vehicle unit and driver cards, and printed readouts — for at least 2 years. DVSA enforcement officers can inspect these records to check for hours infringements or manipulation.
Question 6: A driver starts a shift at 06:00 and drives continuously. By what time must they have taken their mandatory break?
- 09:30
- 10:00
- 10:30 (Correct answer)
- 11:00
Correct answer: 10:30
After 4 hours 30 minutes of driving from 06:00, the break must be taken by 10:30.
EU rules require a break after no more than 4 hours 30 minutes of continuous driving. Starting at 06:00, the driver must have commenced their break by 10:30. The break must be at least 45 minutes (or two splits of 15 + 30 minutes taken in that order).
PCV Drivers Hours and Tachograph Rules 2
If a PCV driver's tachograph card is lost or stolen, within how many days must they apply for a replacement?