Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Drivers

What is a Driver Card?

A Driver Card (5 years validity) is used by the driver to record personal driving, their work and rest times.  The Driver Card stores approximately the previous 28 days of data.  If the vehicle has a co-driver, their Driver Card is inserted into the 2nd card slot in the vehicle unit.  When required to drive, the co-driver and driver exchange slot positions, so that whoever drives the vehicle will have their Driver Card in card slot 1.  The card must remain in the driver's possession and can be used in all approved digital tachographs.

Drivers

What data is stored on the Driver Card?

The Driver Card stores information that enables the driver to be uniquely identified. In addition the following activity data is stored for the last 28 working days (assuming an average number of events):

• Identification of the vehicles used
• Activities (driving, working, availability and rest times)
• Crew status (1 or 2 driver operation)
• Date and time of the driver card being inserted and withdrawn again
• Place where the working days began and ended
• Total distance
• Identification of the control official (VOSA or Police) and date/time of last control
• Tachograph events and faults

Drivers

What happens when my Driver Card data memory or the mass memory is full?

The data memory operates on a rolling basis in which the latest data automatically overwrites the oldest stored data. This ensures that the latest relevant data is stored to comply with the EU social regulations.

Drivers

Can I display, print out or download the information stored on the Driver Card?

Yes, the stored data can be viewed on the DTCO display and printed out using an integrated printer. VDO offers download and TIS-Web analysis and archiving software solutions to evaluate the stored data.

Drivers

Who can apply for a Driver Card?

All drivers who are subject to Drivers Hours Regulation (EC) No. 561/2006 and that have a current driving licence. 

Drivers

How do I get my Driver Card?

Drivers should complete DVLA form D777B.  The Driver Card is valid for 5 years and upon renewal the driver must apply not later than 15 days before expiry.  The driver may hold one valid driver card only and is authorised to use only his own personalised Driver Card. 

Drivers

Do Driver Cards have unlimited validity?

No, after a maximum of 5 years the Driver Card must be replaced.

Drivers

Can I have more than one Driver Card?

No, the authorities in member states must ensure that each driver holds only one valid Driver Card.

Drivers

What happens if my Driver Card is faulty or lost?

Drivers must apply to the DVLA for a replacement card within 7 calendar days of their drivers card malfunctioning or being damaged, lost or stolen.  DVLA will then issue a replacement card within five working days of receiving a valid application.   In the meantime drivers must:

a)   At the start of his journey, print out the details of the vehicle and shall enter onto that printout:

1. details that enable the driver to be identified (name, Driver Card or driver's licence number), including his signature;
2. any mode entries prior to taking over the vehicle.

b)    At the end of his journey print out the information relating to the periods of time recorded by the recording equipment, record any periods   of other work, availability and rest undertaken since the printout that was made at the start of the journey, where not recorded by the tachograph, and mark on that document details that enable the driver to be identified (name, Driver Card or driver's licence number), including the driver's signature.

Drivers may not drive without a valid Driver Card for more than 15 calendar days.

Drivers

Can the enforcement authorities find out if I am driving with an invalid Driver Card?

Yes, the enforcement authorities will keep a file of all valid and invalid Driver Cards. Using a card that has been notified as faulty, lost or stolen will be regarded as a serious offence.

Drivers

What is the cost of a Driver Card?

The DVLA, the UK card issuing authority has determined that a Driver Card costs £38.00.

Drivers

Must the data on driver cards or in the mass memory be backed up regularly?

Yes, Driver Cards must be downloaded at least every 28 days and Digital Tachographs must be downloaded every 56 days, or frequently enough to ensure that no data is lost.  Downloading means copying the information from the Digital Tachograph and Driver Card - it does not delete it.

Drivers

Does the Driver Card replace a driving licence?

No, driving licences and driver cards are seperate documents. 

Drivers

What happens if my Driver Card is lost or stolen?

If a Driver Card is lost or stolen, a replacement must be applied for within 7 calendar days.  Stolen cards should be reported to the Police and DVLA.  (DVLA telephone number; 0300 790 6190).

As above the driver must then at the start and end of the shift generate a daily printout from the digital tachograph and add personal information such as name and signature.  Drivers' may continue to drive without a Driver Card for a maximum period of 15 days or for longer if this is necessary for the vehicle to return to its premises.

Drivers

Can the enforcement authorities find out if I am driving with an invalid driver card?

Yes, the enforcement authorities will keep a file of all valid and invalid Driver Cards.   Using a card that has been notified as faulty, lost or stolen will be regarded as a serious offence.

Drivers

Must the data on driver cards or in the mass memory be backed up regularly?

Yes, depending on the national legislation regular data downloads and archiving are mandatory.

Drivers

When must drivers make a printout?

Where a Driver Card is damaged, malfunctions, or is lost or stolen the driver must:

(a) at the start of his journey, print out the details of the vehicle and shall enter onto that printout:

• details that enable the driver to be identified (name, Driver Card or driver's licence number), including his signature;
• any mode entries prior to taking over the vehicle

(b) at the end of his journey, print out the information relating to periods of time recorded by the recording equipment, record any periods of other work, availability and rest undertaken since the printout that was made at the start of the journey, where no recorded by the tachograph and mark on that document details that enable the driver to be identified (name, Driver Card or driver's licence number), including the driver's signature. 

Drivers

How will roadside checks be carried out in future?

A roadside check can be carried out by the Police or VOSA and the Tachograph checks during normal digital tachograph operation and mixed tachograph work are as follows:

When using a vehicle with an analogue tachograph a driver must be able to produce:

• the record sheets for the current day and those used by the driver in the previous 28 calendar days;
• the driver card if he holds one, and
• any manual record and legal printout made during the current day and the previous 28 calendar days as required (i.e. when a Drivers Card has been lost, stolen or malfunctions).

Drivers

When using a vehicle with a digital tachograph a driver must be able to produce:

• the driver card of which he is holder
• any manual record and legal printout made during the current day and the previous 28 calendar days as required (i.e. when a Drivers Card has been lost, stolen or malfunctions)
• the record sheets for the current day and those used by the driver in the previous 28 calendar days during when he drove a vehicle fitted with analogue recording equipment.