PCV Tachograph & Drivers' Hours (PCV)

Question 1

Which PCV operations are exempt from EU tachograph requirements?

Accepted Answer

Local stage carriage services where the route does not exceed 50 km

Answer

Local service buses on routes not exceeding 50 km are generally exempt from EU tachograph requirements. Long-distance coaches and services over 50 km are subject to EU rules and require tachograph use.

Question 2

What is the maximum daily driving time for a PCV driver under EU rules?

Accepted Answer

9 hours (extendable to 10 hours twice per week)

Answer

EU Regulation 561/2006 applies to PCV drivers on applicable services. The daily limit is 9 hours, extendable to 10 hours no more than twice per week, the same as for LGV drivers.

Question 3

Under the GB domestic drivers' hours rules applicable to some PCV operations, what is the maximum daily driving time?

Accepted Answer

10 hours

Answer

Under GB domestic rules (which apply to some PCV operations not covered by EU rules), the maximum daily driving time is 10 hours, which is more generous than the EU standard of 9 hours.

Question 4

What rest period must a PCV driver take after the maximum driving time under EU rules?

Accepted Answer

A break of at least 45 minutes after no more than 4.5 hours of driving

Answer

EU rules require a 45-minute break after no more than 4.5 hours of continuous driving. The break can be split into 15 minutes then 30 minutes in that order. This applies to PCV drivers on applicable services.

Question 5

What is the maximum weekly driving time for a PCV driver under EU rules?

Accepted Answer

56 hours

Answer

The maximum weekly driving time under EU Regulation 561/2006 is 56 hours. The fortnightly limit of 90 hours also applies. These limits are the same for PCV and LGV drivers.

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DVSA UK Driving Theory Practice Test

PCV Tachograph & Drivers' Hours (PCV)