Getting to grips with your tacho is one of those things every HGV driver has to deal with. Whether you are fresh out of training or you have been on the road for years, those little icons on the screen can sometimes be a bit confusing. At Commercial Transport Training, we see plenty of drivers who are brilliant behind the wheel but get a bit stuck when it comes to manual entries or picking the right mode.
It is really important to get this right because the DVSA does not take excuses if your records are messy. If you use the wrong symbol, it might look like you have been driving for ten hours straight without a break. That is a quick way to get a fine you really do not want. Here is a simple guide to what they all mean and how to keep your card clean.
The main symbols on digital tachograph you need to know
There are four main symbols that you will use every single day. Your tachograph usually switches to some of these automatically, but you still need to keep an eye on it.
The steering wheel (driving) this one is obvious. It means you are driving, the unit picks this up as soon as the wheels move. You do not usually have to select this yourself. Just remember that even if you are crawling in heavy traffic, the tacho counts that as driving time.
The crossed hammers (other work) you use for anything that is work but not driving. Think about when you are doing your walk-around checks, loading the trailer, or even doing paperwork in the cab. If you are doing something for the boss, it should be on hammers.
The square with a diagonal line (availability) this one is a bit more nuanced. It is for when you are waiting but you do not have to be at your post. Maybe you are waiting for a bay to become free or you are sitting on a ferry. You are not “resting” because you might be called at any minute, but you are not doing “other work” either.
The bed (break or rest) is the most important one for your 45-minute breaks and your daily rest. When you stop for a brew or put your head down for the night, make sure the bed symbol is showing. If you leave it on hammers by mistake, it will not count as a break and you could end up with an infringement.
Why getting symbols on digital tachograph right matters for your career
If you want to keep your licence clean, you have to be honest with the machine. At Commercial Transport Training, we always tell our students that the tacho is your best friend when it is right but your worst enemy when it is wrong.
Using the correct symbols shows that you are a professional. It also makes life a lot easier for your transport manager when they download your card data. If everything is clear, there are no awkward chats in the office on a Monday morning.
Common symbols for extra bits and pieces
beyond the main four, you might see some other icons pop up on the display.
- the envelope: this usually means there is a message or a warning for you to look at.
- the card icon: shows which slot has a card in it. If there is a problem with your card, this might flash or have a little ‘x’ next to it.
- the clock: this is often for your total time or countdowns to when you need your next break.
- the ferry/train icon: you use this if you are taking your rest on a boat or a train. It lets the tacho know that the movement it senses is not you driving.
How to avoid mistakes on the road
Most mistakes happen when you are in a rush. You might jump out of the cab to help unload and forget to switch to hammers. Or you might get back in after a break and forget to check what mode it is in.
It is a good habit to check the screen every time you stop and every time you start. Also, when you put your card in at the start of the shift, take your time with the manual entries. If you have been at home for the weekend, make sure you record that as rest properly so there are no gaps in your history.
Training with the experts
If you are still feeling a bit unsure about the tech side of things, we can help. We provide a range of courses at our centre in Leighton Buzzard, from HGV training for beginners to CPC modules for the old pros.
We cover everything from the basic controls to the more complex bits of the smart tachographs that are coming in now. Being a driver is about more than just steering a big rig; it is about managing your time and staying legal.
If you need a hand with your training or just want to upgrade your licence, give us a shout by calling us on 01525 370 862 or completing our online contact form. You can find out more about what we do at cttlimited.com and see how we can help you get on the road.
Stay safe out there and keep an eye on those symbols. It is much easier to press a button now than to explain a mistake to a DVSA officer later on and remember, if you are ever in doubt, just ask. There is no such thing as a stupid question when it comes to your livelihood.
