CPC EU Regulations — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which EU regulation governing drivers' hours has been retained in UK law post-Brexit?
- Regulation 3820/85
- Regulation 561/2006 (Correct answer)
- Regulation 1071/2009
- Regulation 165/2014
Correct answer: Regulation 561/2006
EU Regulation 561/2006 on driving times and rest periods has been retained in UK law post-Brexit. It continues to apply to drivers of vehicles over 3.5 tonnes or carrying more than 9 passengers.
Question 2: Under the retained EU rules, what is the maximum fortnightly (two-week) driving time?
- 80 hours
- 90 hours (Correct answer)
- 100 hours
- 112 hours
Correct answer: 90 hours
The maximum driving time over any two consecutive weeks is 90 hours. Combined with the weekly limit of 56 hours, this means if a driver drives 56 hours in one week, they can only drive 34 hours in the next.
Question 3: What document must UK drivers carry when driving commercially in EU member states?
- Only a UK driving licence
- A UK driving licence plus a Driver Qualification Card (DQC) (Correct answer)
- A passport only
- No documents are required
Correct answer: A UK driving licence plus a Driver Qualification Card (DQC)
UK drivers operating in EU member states must carry both their UK driving licence and a valid Driver Qualification Card (DQC), which proves they have completed the required 35 hours of periodic training. Additional documents may include an international driving permit.
Question 4: What is the AETR agreement and when does it apply?
- An agreement about vehicle emissions
- The European Agreement on International Road Transport covering drivers' hours for journeys through non-EU countries (Correct answer)
- An agreement about road construction standards
- A trade agreement for vehicle exports
Correct answer: The European Agreement on International Road Transport covering drivers' hours for journeys through non-EU countries
The AETR (Accord Européen sur les Transports Routiers) agreement applies to international journeys through countries that are not EU member states. It contains similar drivers' hours rules to EU Regulation 561/2006.
Question 5: Under the retained EU regulations, what are the requirements for multi-manning (two drivers in the vehicle)?
- The same rules apply as for single-manning
- The first break must be taken within 4.5 hours, but daily rest can be reduced to 9 hours and taken concurrently (Correct answer)
- No breaks are required during multi-manning
- Each driver must take a full 11-hour rest separately
Correct answer: The first break must be taken within 4.5 hours, but daily rest can be reduced to 9 hours and taken concurrently
During multi-manning, each driver must take a daily rest of at least 9 hours within a 30-hour period (instead of 24 hours). The first 45 minutes of a co-driver's presence is flexible — they do not need to be in the vehicle for the first hour.
Question 6: What is the purpose of the EU Driver CPC Directive (2003/59/EC) as retained in UK law?
- To set vehicle emission standards
- To ensure professional drivers maintain and update their driving knowledge and skills through periodic training (Correct answer)
- To standardise vehicle registration plates
- To regulate fuel prices across Europe
Correct answer: To ensure professional drivers maintain and update their driving knowledge and skills through periodic training
The Driver CPC Directive ensures professional LGV and PCV drivers undergo initial qualification and then complete 35 hours of periodic training every 5 years. This maintains and updates their professional competence in areas including road safety, health, and regulations.
CPC EU Regulations
Which EU regulation governing drivers' hours has been retained in UK law post-Brexit?