PCV Drivers Hours 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the penalty for falsifying tachograph records in the UK?
- A fixed penalty notice of £100
- A fine and possible imprisonment — it is a criminal offence (Correct answer)
- A written warning from the Traffic Commissioner
- Loss of CPC qualification only
Correct 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.
Question 2: Under UK rules, what counts as 'other work' on a tachograph?
- Only driving the vehicle
- Any work-related activity other than driving, such as loading, vehicle checks, paperwork, and passenger assistance (Correct answer)
- Only time spent at the depot
- Only paid overtime hours
Correct 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.
Question 3: A PCV driver using a digital tachograph forgets to insert their driver card. What should they do?
- Continue driving without the card and record the details later
- Stop as soon as safely possible, insert the card, and manually enter the activities since the start of the shift (Correct answer)
- Return to the depot immediately to collect the card
- Phone the depot and ask them to record the details
Correct 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.
Question 4: What is the Driver CPC (Certificate of Professional Competence) and who needs it?
- A basic driving test certificate required for all drivers
- A professional qualification required for all PCV drivers, involving 35 hours of periodic training every 5 years (Correct answer)
- An optional advanced driving qualification
- A certificate issued by the vehicle manufacturer
Correct 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.
Question 5: What is a 'period of availability' (POA) on a tachograph?
- 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 (Correct answer)
- Time spent on a break
- Time spent driving at a reduced speed
- Paid holiday time
Correct 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.
Question 6: How long must a PCV driver keep their tachograph records?
- 7 days
- 14 days
- 28 days — the current day plus the previous 27 days (Correct answer)
- 1 year
Correct 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.
PCV Drivers Hours 2
What is the penalty for falsifying tachograph records in the UK?