Using a driver smart card
- When do I need to start using one?
- What do I do if I forget my card?
- How do I use my card?
- How do I check my working times?
- Does it tell me my hours driven etc?
- How do I show ferry / train crossings?
- How do I show out of scope driving?
- Why is there a printer?
- Can I do a print out if I want to?
- Do I have to carry printer paper?
- How do I record work away from the vehicle?
- Can I change a mode if I forget at a later time?
- How do I know it is working?
- What happens if the vehicle unit breaks down?
- What do I do if I drive an analogue and digital the same day?
- What happens at a road check?
- Who is responsible for training me?
- I cannot find the answer to my question
ALL new vehicles that require fitment of a tachograph (current exemptions still apply) first registered on and after 5th August 2004 should have been fitted with a digital unit complying to Annex 1B . An extension to this date of 1 year was agreed by the Commission because of technical difficulties experienced by the tachograph manufacturers and these are still being experienced for some vehicles. In March of 2005 the Minister, David Jamieson, released a statement confirming that GB would support the introduction and use of digital tachographs from August this year, but would not require mandatory fitment until such time as it was clear that industry could support this. As yet no mandatory date has been agreed
When do I need to start using one?
Please see above statement.
Prior to that date, if the vehicle has a digital tachograph and you have a card you must use that card. If you do not have a card then you will need to operate the tachograph to record your separate periods of duty, and at the end of the day produce and sign a print out as your record of duty for that day, and treat it as if it were a record sheet.
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What do I do if I forget my card?
You will NOT be able to drive a vehicle fitted with a digital tachograph if you do not have your driver card with you. This is just the same as not being able to drive a vehicle without the correct record sheet in the head.
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There will be 2 slots on the front of the vehicle unit - driver 1 and driver 2. You place your card in slot 1 if you are single manned and there it stays until the end of the day. When double manned the situation is as per analogue units. The person driving places their card in slot 1 and the 2nd man in slot 2. When you change driving the cards are swapped over. The system will recognise the difference as you will have to select the CREW option for double manned vehicles.
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How do I check my working times?
By the visual display on the vehicle unit, a printout or by downloading the card or the vehicle unit.
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Does it tell me my hours driven etc?
You will receive a warning 15 minutes prior to a 4 ½ hour driving period being completed. You can check your current total times by the display or a print out.
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How do I show ferry / train crossings?
You will be able to enter at the time if you are embarking or disembarking a ferry or train that allows you to interrupt your rest period in the manner prescribed by the regulations. This must be done AT THE TIME, not later.
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How do I show out of scope driving?
You will be able to enter at the time if you are engaged in driving not subject to the EU regulations - e.g. off road driving. This must be done AT THE TIME, not later.
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To allow data to be printed out for checking and if your card is, lost, stolen or faulty then you will need to do a daily print out as your record of duty.
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Can I do a print out if I want to?
Notwithstanding your employers instructions you can print out your duties at any time.
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Do I have to carry printer paper?
You should ensure that there is sufficient paper available for use
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How do I record work away from the vehicle?
If the vehicle remains available to you whilst working away from the vehicle, then as now you select other work as the mode and carry out your work. However the vehicle may be taken by someone else during this period. In that case you should remove your card when you leave the vehicle. When you return to the vehicle and reinsert your card, the vehicle unit provides a facility to record your activities from the time you left the previous vehicle to the current time of card insertion.
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Can I change a mode if I forget at a later time?
NO, all mode changes are in real time and MUST be done at the time.
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The vehicle unit will display a fault message if it is not functioning correctly. In the case of total failure it will clearly not be able to function in any aspect of operation.
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What happens if the vehicle unit breaks down?
You MUST keep an accurate record of your duties performed. This should be maintained in real time - as you commence / change your duty type, and not compiled retrospectively.
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What do I do if I drive an analogue and digital the same day?
You will need to keep the appropriate record for the tachograph fitted. Part of the day will be recorded on a chart as we do now and the other part on your driver card.
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The VOSA examiner or Police officer will have a control card which they will insert into either slot of the vehicle unit, and that will allow them to look at your activities. They will also be able to download data from your card and / or the vehicle unit. All other aspects of the check will be the same as now.
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Who is responsible for training me?
You are ultimately responsible for ensuring you know the drivers hours regulations and how to use the tachograph -analogue or digital. Your employer is also responsible for making sure you are doing it correctly.
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I cannot find the answer to my question
We are sorry that your query has not been answered. More information is available Tachograph data management andRecording off-road driving frequently asked questions. Alternatively contact us directly for more information on the link below.
Page last updated: 14/10/2008