Hgv Drivers Hours.

[6RCS27@CW]

HI having just passed my hgv class 2 test recently I am not sure how long after inserting my digi-card would I have to take a break.The EU directive wrt driving for 4.5 hours don't apply only the domestic rules for the UK.
I think that if I have 30mins before the end of 6hrs and if I go between 6hrs and 9 hrs then I need another 30 mins but I'm not sure.

Please advise

Thank-you in advance.

[treetops1]

My husband was an HGV driver for 35 years. Keep your tacho right or you'll have the wrath of police and commissioners on you.Here is a proper breakdown of the hours
http://www.tachos.net/drivers_hours_rules.html

[boxtops]

Congratulations on passing your test. As my OH will tell you, you have to be very strict with yourself about keeping to the rules - you dare not go over your driving hours (apart from anything else, it's not safe not to take your required breaks and rest periods). Don't forget that your driver record is downloaded these days and your driving/rest/waiting times are all clearly recorded - it's not up to you to decide as and when you take your breaks.

[barney4444]

Speaking as a coach driver(u.k) after inserting card you can drive for 4.5 hrs then a break for 45mins or if a mixture of driving and other work you may go 5.5 hrs before a break, be careful with splitting the break because it only counts if the second portion is longer e.g 30 mins then 15 does not count as break but 20 mins then 25 would. If you make a genuine mistake or have a good reason for slightly exceeding your hours write on the print out. we do find vosa will be a bit lenient but not if you go over your hours reguarly..

[barney4444]

Well just looked at link from treetops and I am wrong in my breaks example, the 2nd part must be at least 30mins. Just shows that best advice is look at the published rules!! You will find that you can talk to 10 drivers and have 10 different answers,its ridiculously over complicated. Good Luck..

[SeaJayPea]

What are you actually driving that makes the domestic rules apply?