PCV Drivers' Hours and Tachographs 2

Question 1

What must a PCV driver do when they take over a vehicle fitted with a digital tachograph?

Accepted Answer

Insert their driver card, enter the country of start, and manually record any activities since last card withdrawal

Answer

The driver must insert their personal driver card and manually enter any unrecorded periods of work, rest, or availability.

Question 2

What are the four mode symbols on a tachograph and what do they represent?

Accepted Answer

Driving (steering wheel), Other Work (crossed hammers), Availability (square), and Rest (bed)

Answer

The four tachograph modes are: Driving, Other Work, Period of Availability, and Rest.

Question 3

How long must a PCV operator retain tachograph records?

Accepted Answer

At least 12 months, with driver cards downloaded every 28 days and vehicle units every 90 days

Answer

Tachograph records must be retained for at least 12 months, with regular downloads of driver cards and vehicle units.

Question 4

What is multi-manning in drivers' hours regulations?

Accepted Answer

When multiple drivers share driving duties on the same journey, allowing different break patterns

Answer

Multi-manning is when two or more drivers are on the vehicle, allowing modified break and rest requirements.

Question 5

What happens if a DVSA officer discovers that a tachograph has been tampered with?

Accepted Answer

It is a criminal offence with prosecution, heavy fines, and potential imprisonment

Answer

Tachograph tampering is a serious criminal offence that can result in prosecution, imprisonment, and loss of operator licence.

UK PCV Theory Practice Test