Driving hours, tachograph and rest requirements
This section covers recorded driving time, breaks, daily and weekly rest, and tachograph use. The exam tests whether you can keep accurate records and recognise when rest is legally required.
Core rules
Commercial heavy-vehicle operations require records of driving, other work, availability and rest. Where a tachograph is fitted or required, use it correctly: insert the card or chart, select the right mode, and make manual entries for any missing periods. Do not falsify records or ask another person to use your card. A common heavy-vehicle standard is a break after no more than 4.5 hours of driving; if your permit, operator or route applies a stricter limit, follow the stricter limit. Daily and weekly rest must be taken as required. Plan rest before you are tired, and record it accurately.
Worked example
A driver has driven 4 hours 20 minutes and is 40 minutes from the depot. The rule applied to the operation requires a 45-minute break after 4.5 hours. The driver cannot finish the trip first; the correct action is to stop at a safe place, take the required break and record it, then complete the journey.
Traps
Recording a break while still loading or waiting on duty if the rules treat it as work; borrowing another driver’s card; making false manual entries; and treating a short stop for fuel as a full rest break.