HGV Drivers’ Hours and Tachograph Rules
Understanding drivers' hours is one of the most important parts of working as an HGV driver.
The rules can be complicated, particularly when driving time, other work, breaks and rest periods all need to be recorded correctly.
This guide covers the main rules that apply under the assimilated drivers' hours rules. There are also exemptions and different rules that can apply to certain types of work, so always check the official guidance for your particular circumstances.
How long can an HGV driver drive?
Under the main assimilated rules, an HGV driver can normally drive for a maximum of:
9 hours per day
10 hours twice per week
56 hours per week
90 hours over two consecutive weeks
Driving under these rules must be recorded using a tachograph.
When do I need to take a break?
The important rule to remember is:
You must take at least 45 minutes of break after no more than 4 hours 30 minutes of driving.
The 45 minutes can be taken as one continuous break or split into two qualifying breaks.
The split must be:
At least 15 minutes + at least 30 minutes.
The second break must be at least 30 minutes.
Example
If you start driving at 7:00am and drive continuously, you cannot simply keep going until 12:00.
You need to have completed the required break by the end of the 4 hours 30 minutes of driving.
Remember that this is based on driving time, not simply the time since you started work.
What are the daily driving limits?
The normal daily driving limit is 9 hours.
You can extend this to 10 hours, but only twice in a week.
For example:
Monday — 9 hours
Tuesday — 10 hours
Wednesday — 9 hours
Thursday — 10 hours
Friday — 9 hours
This uses both of the weekly 10-hour extensions.
What are the weekly limits?
The main limits are:
56 hours maximum driving in one week
and
90 hours maximum driving across two consecutive weeks.
You therefore need to consider both the current week and the previous week when planning driving time.
What about daily rest?
The normal daily rest requirement is at least 11 hours.
There are circumstances where daily rest can be reduced to 9 hours, subject to the rules and limits on reduced rests.
What does the tachograph record?
A tachograph records information including:
Driving time
Breaks
Rest periods
Other work
Periods of availability
Distance travelled
Vehicle speed
The information is used to monitor compliance with drivers' hours rules.
Important
A calculator should be treated as a planning aid rather than a replacement for the official rules or your tachograph.
There are exemptions, special circumstances, different rules for certain operations and specific requirements around recording activities.
If you're unsure whether a particular rule applies to you, check the latest GOV.UK guidance or speak to your operator or transport compliance professional.
Plan your breaks before you drive.
Click to Use the UKTrucks Tachometer Calculator:
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You should always verify important information with the relevant official authority or current government guidance before making decisions or starting a journey.
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