PCV Tachograph & Drivers' Hours (PCV) 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A coach driver has been driving for 4 hours and 30 minutes without a break. What must they do immediately?
- Stop and take a break of at least 45 minutes — they have reached the maximum continuous driving time (Correct answer)
- Continue for another 30 minutes to reach the next service area
- Take a 15-minute break and continue
- Only stop if they feel tired
Correct answer: Stop and take a break of at least 45 minutes — they have reached the maximum continuous driving time
Under EU rules, driving must not exceed 4.5 hours without a break. The driver has reached the maximum and must stop immediately to take at least 45 minutes of break, before resuming driving.
Question 2: Under GB domestic rules for PCV, what is the maximum continuous driving time before a break?
- 5.5 hours (Correct answer)
- 4.5 hours
- 6 hours
- 4 hours
Correct answer: 5.5 hours
Under GB domestic rules for PCV, the maximum continuous driving time before a break is 5.5 hours. The required break is at least 30 minutes. This is more generous than the EU 4.5-hour rule.
Question 3: What is the minimum break required under GB domestic rules after 5.5 hours of PCV driving?
- 30 minutes (Correct answer)
- 45 minutes
- 20 minutes
- 15 minutes
Correct answer: 30 minutes
Under GB domestic rules for PCV operations, after 5.5 hours of continuous driving, a minimum break of 30 minutes is required. This is less than the EU 45-minute requirement but covers a longer continuous driving period.
Question 4: Can a PCV driver take their daily rest in the vehicle while a co-driver operates the coach?
- Yes — rest taken in the vehicle while another driver is driving can count as reduced daily rest (9 hours) if a suitable sleeping facility is available (Correct answer)
- No — vehicle rest never counts as daily rest
- Only if the journey is under 100 km
- Yes — any time spent in the vehicle cab counts as rest regardless of conditions
Correct answer: Yes — rest taken in the vehicle while another driver is driving can count as reduced daily rest (9 hours) if a suitable sleeping facility is available
Under EU rules, a driver in a moving vehicle with a co-driver may count time in the vehicle as reduced daily rest, provided the vehicle has suitable sleeping facilities (bunk) and the rest period is at least 9 hours.
Question 5: A PCV driver works Monday to Friday and wants to start work again the following Monday. What weekly rest do they need?
- At least 45 consecutive hours (regular weekly rest) before starting work Monday (Correct answer)
- 24 hours is sufficient before Monday
- They only need the standard overnight rest of 11 hours
- Weekends automatically provide sufficient rest under UK law
Correct answer: At least 45 consecutive hours (regular weekly rest) before starting work Monday
Before starting work again, the driver must take a regular weekly rest of at least 45 consecutive hours. A typical weekend (finish Friday evening, start Monday morning) provides enough time for this, but drivers must ensure the 45 hours is completed.
Question 6: What is the purpose of a driver's tachograph printout in a PCV operation?
- To record activities when the digital tachograph malfunctions, or to annotate activities that cannot be automatically recorded (Correct answer)
- To provide a backup copy of all journeys
- Only for the driver's personal records
- To provide the operator with real-time tracking data
Correct answer: To record activities when the digital tachograph malfunctions, or to annotate activities that cannot be automatically recorded
Tachograph printouts are used when the tachograph malfunctions (driver makes manual records on the printout), or to annotate specific activities or periods. Printouts serve as an official record and must be kept safely.
PCV Tachograph & Drivers' Hours (PCV) 3
A coach driver has been driving for 4 hours and 30 minutes without a break.
What must they do immediately?