Tachograph & Drivers' Hours (PCV) Flashcards

What is the tachograph requirement for a 16-seat minibus operating a school run?

Answer: Depends on the operation — some school transport is exempt from EU tachograph requirements, GB domestic rules may apply

School transport operations may benefit from specific exemptions from EU tachograph rules. However, if the vehicle has more than 9 passenger seats and the journey does not meet an exemption, rules apply. GB domestic rules may cover the operation. Operators must check which rules apply.

Under EU rules, what is the latest time a driver can start a new daily rest period after the previous one ended?

Answer: Within 24 hours of the end of the previous daily rest period

Under EU Regulation 561/2006, a driver must complete a daily rest within 24 hours of the end of the previous daily (or weekly) rest period. This ensures rest is taken sufficiently regularly and prevents fatigue accumulation.

A PCV driver is found to have falsified their tachograph records. What are the potential consequences?

Answer: Criminal prosecution, unlimited fine, loss of driver CPC, and possible driving licence revocation

Falsifying tachograph records is a criminal offence. Consequences include prosecution, unlimited fines, loss of the Driver CPC (which prevents professional driving), and potentially driving licence revocation. It is treated extremely seriously by DVSA and the Traffic Commissioner.

What is a 'multi-manning' arrangement for PCV operations?

Answer: Two drivers in the vehicle simultaneously — allows the driving time limit to reset earlier as the non-driving driver can rest in the vehicle

Multi-manning (two-man crew) means two drivers are in the vehicle at the same time. The non-driving driver can take their daily rest (minimum 9 hours) while in the vehicle. This allows longer routes to be covered without stopping for full rest periods.

What does an enforcement officer check when they examine a PCV driver's tachograph records at the roadside?

Answer: Compliance with driving time, rest, and break rules; correctness of mode selections; and validity of the driver card

Roadside examination of tachograph records covers: current day and 28-day history on the driver card, compliance with all driving time, break, and rest requirements, correct use of activity modes, and validity and ownership of the driver card.

After a rest period, a PCV driver checks the tachograph and finds the previous session was not properly recorded. What should they do?

Answer: Make a manual record (printout or annotation) explaining the gap and the reason, and report the fault to the operator immediately

Unrecorded periods must be explained by manual annotation or printout. The driver should not falsify data by filling in gaps with estimates. The tachograph fault must be reported to the operator for repair. Clear documentation of why a gap exists protects the driver.