Drivers Hours Flashcards
6 cards from real PCV practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 6 Drivers Hours flashcards as text
What is the penalty for falsifying tachograph records in the UK?
Answer: A fine and possible imprisonment — it is a criminal offence
Falsifying tachograph records is a serious criminal offence in the UK. It can result in an unlimited fine and/or up to two years' imprisonment. The driver may also lose their licence, and the operator could lose their O licence. DVSA takes this offence very seriously.
Under UK rules, what counts as 'other work' on a tachograph?
Answer: Any work-related activity other than driving, such as loading, vehicle checks, paperwork, and passenger assistance
'Other work' includes all work activities other than driving. This encompasses vehicle checks, loading and unloading, paperwork, cleaning the vehicle, assisting passengers, and attending meetings. It must be accurately recorded on the tachograph as it affects total working time limits.
A PCV driver using a digital tachograph forgets to insert their driver card. What should they do?
Answer: Stop as soon as safely possible, insert the card, and manually enter the activities since the start of the shift
If a driver forgets to insert their card, they should insert it as soon as possible and use the manual entry facility to record all activities from the start of the shift. Driving without a card inserted is an offence unless the card is damaged, malfunctioning, or lost.
What is the Driver CPC (Certificate of Professional Competence) and who needs it?
Answer: A professional qualification required for all PCV drivers, involving 35 hours of periodic training every 5 years
The Driver CPC is a mandatory qualification for professional PCV drivers. After initial qualification, drivers must complete 35 hours of periodic training every 5 years to maintain their CPC. Driving a PCV professionally without a valid CPC is illegal and can result in fines for both driver and operator.
What is a 'period of availability' (POA) on a tachograph?
Answer: Time when the driver is available for work but not actually working or driving, such as waiting time when the duration is known in advance
A period of availability (POA) is time when the driver is not required to remain at their workstation but must be available to resume work. The key requirement is that the duration must be known in advance. Examples include accompanying a vehicle on a ferry or waiting during scheduled loading times.
How long must a PCV driver keep their tachograph records?
Answer: 28 days — the current day plus the previous 27 days
PCV drivers must carry their tachograph records for the current day plus the previous 28 calendar days. If using analogue tachographs, the driver must carry the physical charts. If using a digital tachograph, the driver card stores the data, but manual printouts may also be needed.