FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Drivers

What is a driver card?

The driver card is a personal smart card for digital tachographs on which all relevant driver data required for EU Drivers Hours regulations (driving and rest times) is stored. The card remains 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 approximately 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• Date and time of the driver card being inserted and withdrawn again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 and date/time of last control check 
• 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 Drivers Hours 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 TIS-Web and TIS-Office software solutions to download and evaluate the stored data.

Drivers

Who can apply for a driver card?

Drivers who have a current driving licence may apply using DVLA application form D777B.

Drivers

How do I get my driver card?

Driver cards are issued on application to the DVLA  using the application form D777B. 

Drivers

Do driver cards have unlimited validity?

No, the EU has decided that cards will no longer be valid after a maximum of 5 years and must then be replaced.

Drivers

Can I have more than one driver card?

No, the EU has decided that cards will no longer be valid after a maximum of 5 years and must then be replaced.

Drivers

What happens if my driver card is faulty or lost?

Drivers must apply to DVLA for a replacement card within 7 calendar days of their driver 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 print out the data relating to their mode activities such as driving and rest times recorded on the DTCO at the start and end of the day.  Also at the start and end of each journey add their personal details and sign it. Drivers may not drive without a valid driver card for more than 15 calendar days (or for a longer period if necessary, in order for the vehicle to return to its premises).

Drivers

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

Yes, the authorities will keep information about all valid and invalid driver cards. Using a card that has been notified as faulty, lost or stolen can therefore be detected.

Drivers

What will a driver card cost?

The DVLA, the UK card issuing authority have decided following consultation with transport operators in the industry that the driver card will be £38.00 and the renewal fee will be £19.00.

Drivers

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

Yes, DfT have implemented downloading and archiving legislation and there is a mandatory requirement to download data on a regular basis. For example for driver cards  within every 28 days and mass memory data within every 56 days. The VDO Downloadkey is a convenient and practical transport medium for downloading and archiving mass memory data.

Drivers

When must drivers make a printout?

When driving without a driver card, e.g. due to loss, theft or a fault, a printout must be made at the start and end of the journey.  Both printouts must be marked with: the drivers name or driver card/driver licence number in order to identify himself; any manual entries required to show periods of other work; availabilty;  rest and break and the drivers signature, in this case the driver must obtain a new driver card within a defined period.

Drivers

What should a driver produce to the enforcement authorities during mixed tachograph operation?

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 days, the driver card if he holds one, and any manual record and printout made during the current day and the previous 28 days as required (i.e. when a drivers card has been lost, stolen or malfunctions).

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

the driver card of which he is a holder, any manual record and printout made during the current day and the previous 28 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 days during when he drove a vehicle fitted with analogue recording equipment.