Trainee bus driver and instructor reviewing a checklist beside a single-deck bus at the depot

PCV study notes

Drivers Hours and Rest Periods

Drivers’ hours rules, breaks and rest, and keeping records with a tachograph.

What this topic covers

Drivers’ hours rules, breaks and rest, and keeping records with a tachograph. The full PCV Theory Test & Toolkit app contains 49 questions on this topic.

In the app's syllabus: Driving limits, Keeping records, Tachograph rules, Tiredness.

Worked examples

Here are a few practice questions from this topic. Try answering each before reading the explanation.

Example 1

Which symbol on your tachograph shows your break/rest period?

A.
B.
C. ✓ correct
D.

Explanation: A tachograph allows you to select the mode or task that you're undertaking. Time spent on that task is then recorded automatically. Each task has a different symbol. You need to know the meaning of each, so that your records are correct. The modes are: driving, doing other work, on duty and available for work, and taking a break or rest.

Example 2

Why should you carry spare tachograph charts?

A. To replace the original chart if it gets dirty ✓ correct
B. For recording extra loading duties and overtime
C. To record when you've been in a traffic delay
D. As a defence against a speeding prosecution

Explanation: Your employer should supply enough approved charts for your journey. They should include spares in case any get damaged or are taken by an authorised inspecting officer.

Example 3

Under assimilated (EU) rules, you may drive for up to 9 hours a day. What maximum may this be increased to on 2 days of the week?

A. 10 hours ✓ correct
B. 9.5 hours
C. 11.5 hours
D. 11 hours

Explanation: You're permitted to extend the daily limit of 9 hours to 10 hours twice a week. Do not drive for more than the maximum hours allowed, as you risk a heavy fine and may lose your licence.

Example 4

Under assimilated (EU) rules, a driver must take regular breaks from driving. What maximum period of continuous driving is allowed?

A. 5.5 hours
B. 4.5 hours ✓ correct
C. 4 hours
D. 3 hours

Explanation: It's essential that you do not become drowsy through driving for excessively long periods. Assimilated (EU) rules are in place to prevent this. You must take a break after a maximum of 4.5 hours of continuous driving. Your work details must be available for inspection by enforcement staff. Make sure that you know the rules for the journey and the type of vehicle you're driving.

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More PCV study notes

Get all 49 questions on this topic in the PCV Theory Test & Toolkit app.