UK PCV Theory Drivers' Hours and Tachographs Questions and Answers — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Under the assimilated (formerly EU) drivers' hours rules, what is the maximum number of times you can reduce your regular daily rest period of 11 hours to a minimum of 9 hours?
- Once between any two weekly rest periods.
- Twice between any two weekly rest periods.
- Three times between any two weekly rest periods. (Correct answer)
- It cannot be reduced.
Correct answer: Three times between any two weekly rest periods.
The assimilated (formerly EU) rules state that a regular daily rest period is 11 hours. However, this can be reduced to a minimum of 9 continuous hours up to three times between any two consecutive weekly rest periods.
Question 2: A PCV driver has been driving for 4 hours and 30 minutes under assimilated (formerly EU) rules. What is the minimum break they are now required to take?
- A single 30-minute break.
- An uninterrupted break of 45 minutes. (Correct answer)
- Two 15-minute breaks.
- A single 15-minute break.
Correct answer: An uninterrupted break of 45 minutes.
After a driving period of 4.5 hours, a driver subject to assimilated (EU) rules must take an uninterrupted break of at least 45 minutes. Alternatively, this can be taken as a split break of at least 15 minutes followed by another break of at least 30 minutes.
Question 3: You are operating a bus on a local service with a route of less than 50km. Which set of drivers' hours regulations primarily apply?
- Assimilated (EU) Rules
- AETR Rules
- GB Domestic Rules (Correct answer)
- Working Time Directive only
Correct answer: GB Domestic Rules
For PCV drivers on regular local services with a route not exceeding 50km, the GB Domestic Rules apply. These differ from the assimilated (EU) rules that govern longer-distance and international journeys.
Question 4: What is the maximum amount of driving time permitted in any two consecutive weeks under the assimilated (formerly EU) rules?
- 100 hours
- 56 hours
- 90 hours (Correct answer)
- 48 hours
Correct answer: 90 hours
The assimilated (formerly EU) drivers' hours regulations stipulate a maximum driving time of 56 hours in a single week, and a maximum of 90 hours in any two consecutive weeks.
Question 5: You are driving a coach fitted with a digital tachograph. What is the main purpose of the 'mode switch' on the unit?
- To switch between miles and kilometres.
- To adjust the brightness of the display.
- To record different activities such as driving, other work, periods of availability, and rest. (Correct answer)
- To manually enter your destination.
Correct answer: To record different activities such as driving, other work, periods of availability, and rest.
The mode switch on a tachograph is used to accurately record the driver's activity throughout the day. The standard modes are 'Driving' (often automatic), 'Other Work', 'Period of Availability' (POA), and 'Rest/Break'.
Question 6: A driver takes a reduced weekly rest period of 30 hours. What must happen to compensate for this reduction?
- The driver must finish work 15 hours earlier the following week.
- The reduction must be compensated for by an equivalent period of rest taken in one block before the end of the third following week. (Correct answer)
- The driver must take two consecutive full weekly rest periods afterwards.
- No compensation is needed if the weekly driving hours were below 45.
Correct answer: The reduction must be compensated for by an equivalent period of rest taken in one block before the end of the third following week.
If a reduced weekly rest is taken (minimum 24 hours), the reduction must be compensated for. This compensation must be an equivalent period of rest taken en-bloc and attached to another rest period of at least 9 hours (a daily or weekly rest) before the end of the third week following the week in question.
UK PCV Theory Drivers' Hours and Tachographs Questions and Answers
Under the assimilated (formerly EU) drivers' hours rules, what is the maximum number of times you can reduce your regular daily rest period of 11 hours to a minimum of 9 hours?