Tachograph and driving/rest time rules
What the exam tests
This domain tests the AETR-style rules used for international goods transport and the practical use of the digital tachograph, driver card and records.
Core rules
- Daily driving is normally 9 hours; it may be extended to 10 hours twice in a week.
- After 4 hours 30 minutes of driving, take a 45-minute break. The break may be split into 15 minutes then 30 minutes, in that order.
- Daily rest is normally 11 hours; it may be reduced to 9 hours up to three times between weekly rests.
- Weekly rest is normally 45 hours; a reduced weekly rest of at least 24 hours is possible with compensation.
- Insert your driver card at the start of the shift, record manual entries for work done away from the vehicle, and keep printouts when required.
- Do not use loading, paperwork or waiting as a substitute for a recorded break unless the rules allow it.
Worked example
A driver has driven 4 hours 20 minutes. Before driving further, a 45-minute break is needed. A 30-minute stop followed by 15 minutes is not a valid split; the split must be 15 minutes first, then 30 minutes.
Traps that cost marks
Counting loading as rest; forgetting the second part of a split break; leaving the card out; assuming a reduced weekly rest needs no compensation.
Key points
- 9 hours daily driving, 10 hours twice weekly.
- Break after 4.5 hours: 45 minutes or 15 plus 30.
- Daily rest 11 hours, reduced to 9 hours three times.
- Weekly rest 45 hours; reduced rest needs compensation.
- Card in, manual entries correct.