PCV Tachograph & Drivers' Hours (PCV) 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which PCV operations are exempt from EU tachograph requirements?
- Local stage carriage services where the route does not exceed 50 km (Correct answer)
- All PCV operations are exempt from tachograph rules
- All coaches on long-distance routes
- Services operating at night only
Correct answer: Local stage carriage services where the route does not exceed 50 km
Local service buses on routes not exceeding 50 km are generally exempt from EU tachograph requirements. Long-distance coaches and services over 50 km are subject to EU rules and require tachograph use.
Question 2: What is the maximum daily driving time for a PCV driver under EU rules?
- 9 hours (extendable to 10 hours twice per week) (Correct answer)
- 8 hours with no extension
- 10 hours every day
- 12 hours for coaches on long journeys
Correct answer: 9 hours (extendable to 10 hours twice per week)
EU Regulation 561/2006 applies to PCV drivers on applicable services. The daily limit is 9 hours, extendable to 10 hours no more than twice per week, the same as for LGV drivers.
Question 3: Under the GB domestic drivers' hours rules applicable to some PCV operations, what is the maximum daily driving time?
- 10 hours (Correct answer)
- 9 hours
- 8 hours
- 12 hours
Correct answer: 10 hours
Under GB domestic rules (which apply to some PCV operations not covered by EU rules), the maximum daily driving time is 10 hours, which is more generous than the EU standard of 9 hours.
Question 4: What rest period must a PCV driver take after the maximum driving time under EU rules?
- A break of at least 45 minutes after no more than 4.5 hours of driving (Correct answer)
- A break of 30 minutes after 5 hours of driving
- A break of 15 minutes after every 2 hours
- Breaks are not required for urban service drivers
Correct answer: A break of at least 45 minutes after no more than 4.5 hours of driving
EU rules require a 45-minute break after no more than 4.5 hours of continuous driving. The break can be split into 15 minutes then 30 minutes in that order. This applies to PCV drivers on applicable services.
Question 5: What is the maximum weekly driving time for a PCV driver under EU rules?
- 56 hours (Correct answer)
- 60 hours
- 48 hours
- 70 hours
Correct answer: 56 hours
The maximum weekly driving time under EU Regulation 561/2006 is 56 hours. The fortnightly limit of 90 hours also applies. These limits are the same for PCV and LGV drivers.
Question 6: A PCV driver operates a local bus service on a route of 45 km. Are EU tachograph rules likely to apply?
- No — routes under 50 km are generally exempt from EU tachograph requirements (Correct answer)
- Yes — all PCV operations must use a tachograph
- Only if the driver works over 8 hours per day
- Only on Sundays and public holidays
Correct answer: No — routes under 50 km are generally exempt from EU tachograph requirements
Local services on routes not exceeding 50 km are exempt from EU drivers' hours and tachograph rules. A 45 km route falls within this exemption. However, GB domestic rules still apply and the operator must keep records.
PCV Tachograph & Drivers' Hours (PCV) 1
Which PCV operations are exempt from EU tachograph requirements?