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

48 hours maximum in any week with no exceptions

Answer

56 hours maximum for PCV workers

Answer

72 hours with employer written agreement

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

Only time spent driving the vehicle

Answer

All time from the start to the end of the shift including breaks

Answer

Only overtime hours beyond the standard contracted hours

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 work has no specific limit for mobile workers

Answer

Night work limits only apply to HGV drivers

Answer

Night work is defined as working after 10pm

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

Yes — any worker can opt out with written agreement

Answer

Yes — operators can apply for an exemption for their whole fleet

Answer

Yes — if the Traffic Commissioner approves the opt-out

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

The driver may continue without a break if driving is smooth

Answer

A 15-minute break is sufficient after 6 hours

Answer

Breaks are only required after 8 hours of work

Question 6

What records of working time must a PCV operator keep for mobile workers?

Accepted Answer

Adequate records showing compliance with the Working Time Regulations — typically tachograph records plus supplementary records for non-driving time

Answer

No records required as drivers keep their own

Answer

Only records of overtime hours

Answer

Records need only be kept if the DVSA requests them