UK PCV Theory Test Drivers' Hours and Tachographs 1

Question 1

What is the maximum daily driving time permitted for a PCV driver under EU/retained UK drivers' hours regulations?

Accepted Answer

9 hours, extendable to 10 hours on no more than twice a week

Answer

The standard daily driving limit is 9 hours. This may be extended to 10 hours, but only twice in any one week — this flexibility is not a blanket allowance and must be recorded on the tachograph.

Question 2

After how many continuous hours of driving must a PCV driver take a break, and what is the minimum duration of that break?

Accepted Answer

After 4.5 hours, a break of at least 45 minutes

Answer

Drivers must not drive for more than 4.5 hours without taking a break of at least 45 minutes. This break may be split into a first period of 15 minutes followed by a second of 30 minutes — but not the other way around.

Question 3

What must a PCV driver do if the tachograph develops a fault and cannot be repaired before the end of a journey?

Accepted Answer

Make legible manual entries on a temporary record sheet for all time groups until the unit is repaired

Answer

If the tachograph fails mid-journey, the driver must manually record all required time group data (driving, other work, availability, rest) on a temporary sheet. The unit must be repaired at the earliest opportunity, and at the latest when the vehicle returns to base.

Question 4

What is the minimum regular weekly rest period that a PCV driver must take?

Accepted Answer

45 consecutive hours

Answer

A regular weekly rest is at least 45 consecutive hours. It may be reduced to 24 hours (a reduced weekly rest) no more than twice in any fixed two-week period, provided the reduction is compensated in full before the end of the third week following.

Question 5

What is the maximum total driving time a PCV driver may accumulate over any two consecutive weeks?

Accepted Answer

90 hours

Answer

Even if a driver reaches the 56-hour weekly maximum in one week, the combined total across any two consecutive weeks must not exceed 90 hours. This fortnightly cap prevents consistent exploitation of the higher weekly limit.

UK PCV Theory Practice Test

UK PCV Theory Practice Test

UK PCV Theory Test Drivers' Hours and Tachographs 1