Driver's hours: How strict are you?

A well managed and well monitored system for managing your drivers' compliance with the tachograph rules is essential if you wish to keep hold of your Operator Licence. Drivers need to learn from the top that infringements and disregard for the law will not be tolerated.

A prudent operator would ensure the following:
• an effective system of new driver induction to include drivers' hours training
• thereafter refresher training for all drivers at 6 monthly intervals
• monthly analysation of their charts or digital card contents
• written records to show infringements have been raised with drivers, training offered and disciplinary action taken where necessary
• remedial action taken to address any pattern of infringements e.g. too much driving in a fourteen day period remedied by the provision of relief drivers

A good and effective system for driver's hours compliance hinges on the strength of a business' disciplinary procedure and the willingness of the operator to impose it.

DVSA approval

Finally, DVSA acknowledge that even the best of operators experience infringements from time to time, but what they want to see is evidence of the above systems to show that the operator is proactive as opposed to reactive in it's approach to compliance.

To find out exactly how long you are entitled to drive for check the DVSA website: click here>>

Close up image of tachographs