Understanding Your Tacho Card

In the UK, professional drivers of heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) and passenger carrying vehicles (PCVs) are required to use a tachograph card, commonly known as a "tacho card." This small but essential piece of equipment plays a crucial role in monitoring drivers' hours, ensuring compliance with legal regulations, and promoting road safety. In this blog post, we'll provide a comprehensive guide to help you navigate the ins and outs of your tacho card.

What is a Tacho Card?

A tacho card, or tachograph card, is a digital card used in conjunction with a digital tachograph system. It records the driving times, breaks, and rest periods of drivers to ensure they adhere to the EU drivers' hours rules. The tacho card stores data about the driver's activity and is essential for both compliance and safety.

Types of Tacho Cards

There are four main types of tacho cards used in the UK:

1. Driver Card: This card is issued to drivers and records their driving, work, and rest times. It must be inserted into the digital tachograph at the start of the shift.
2. Company Card: Used by transport operators to access and download data from the digital tachograph. It helps in monitoring and managing drivers' hours.
3. Control Card: Issued to enforcement authorities, allowing them to access data for compliance checks and enforcement purposes.
4. Workshop Card: Used by approved tachograph technicians to calibrate, activate, and inspect digital tachographs.

How to Use Your Tacho Card

1. Inserting the Card:
   • At the start of your shift, insert your tacho card into the digital tachograph slot (usually slot 1 for the primary driver).
   • Follow the on-screen prompts to confirm your details and the start of your shift.
2. Recording Activities:
   • The tacho card automatically records driving time, but you must manually input other activities such as breaks, rest periods, and other work.
   • Use the tachograph’s mode switch to select the correct activity: driving, other work, availability, or rest/break.
3. Removing the Card:
   • At the end of your shift, ensure you properly log out by selecting the appropriate end-of-duty option on the tachograph.
   • Remove your tacho card and securely store it.

Understanding the Data on Your Tacho Card

The tacho card stores detailed information about your driving and work activities. Key data includes:

• Driving Time: The total amount of time spent driving.
• Other Work: Time spent on other job-related tasks, such as loading or maintenance.
• Availability: Periods where you are available for work but not actively driving or working.
• Rest/Breaks: Recorded rest periods and breaks taken to comply with legal requirements.

Legal Requirements and Compliance

1. Drivers' Hours Rules:
   • Daily Driving Limit: Maximum of 9 hours per day (can be extended to 10 hours twice a week).
   • Weekly Driving Limit: Maximum of 56 hours per week.
   • Fortnightly Limit: Maximum of 90 hours in any two consecutive weeks.
   
   
2. Breaks and Rest Periods:
   • Breaks: Minimum of 45 minutes after 4.5 hours of driving (can be split into a 15-minute and a 30-minute break).
   • Daily Rest: Minimum of 11 hours (can be reduced to 9 hours up to three times between weekly rest periods).
   • Weekly Rest: Minimum of 45 consecutive hours (can be reduced to 24 hours once every two weeks).

Commercial Transport Training - Leading Training Courses in Leighton Buzzard

Understanding and properly managing your tacho card is essential for compliance, safety, and efficient operation within the transport industry. At Commercial Transport Training, we provide comprehensive training programs that cover all aspects of tacho card usage, helping you stay compliant with legal requirements and excel in your professional driving career. To find out more about our training courses, please don't hesitate to give us a call on 01525 370 862. Alternatively, complete our online enquiry form and a member of our team will be in touch with you as soon as possible.