Driver hours, rest times and tachograph (EU Regulation 561/2006)
This domain tests the EU rules in Regulation 561/2006 and the practical use of the tachograph. Learn the limits as numbers and learn how a day is built up, because exam scenarios usually ask whether a driver may continue.
Core limits
- After 4.5 hours of driving, take a 45-minute break. It may be split into at least 15 minutes followed by at least 30 minutes.
- Daily driving is normally 9 hours; it may be extended to 10 hours no more than twice per week.
- Weekly driving is at most 56 hours; over two consecutive weeks, at most 90 hours.
- Daily rest is normally 11 hours; it may be reduced to 9 hours no more than three times between weekly rests. Weekly rest is 45 hours, reducible to 24 hours with equivalent compensation.
- For occasional international passenger transport, the weekly rest may be postponed under the 12-day rule, subject to conditions and compensation.
Tachograph
- The driver card is personal. Select the correct mode: driving, other work, availability or break/rest.
- Make manual entries for work done without the card. Be able to produce records for the current day and the previous 28 days.
- Printouts and manual entries must be legible and consistent with the vehicle unit.
Worked example
A driver starts at 06:00, drives 2 hours, takes 15 minutes' break, then drives 2 hours 30 minutes. Total driving is 4 hours 30 minutes, so a further 30-minute break is required before any more driving. The 15 + 30 split is valid; 15 minutes alone is not. If the driver then drives 3 hours, daily driving is 7 hours 30 minutes, within the 9-hour limit.
Traps
- Taking 30 minutes first and 15 minutes second; the order is invalid.
- Counting break time as other work.
- Extending to 10 hours more than twice a week.
- Forgetting compensation for a reduced weekly rest.