Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Workshops

What are the rules in the UK for Tachograph Workshop approval?

In the UK national legislation (Road vehicle (Construction & Use Regulations 1986, Regulation 36 (as amended)) provides powers to the Secretary of State for Transport to provide rules for workshop approval and processes and the ATCM (Approved Tachograph Centre Manual) sets out the conditions of approval and the requirements for correct operation of Approved Tachograph Centres.  It also explains what is required of all Nominated Technicians who undertake the tasks and responsibilities associated with the installation, inspection and calibration of recording equipment.  The Manual, set the standards for approval and must be adhered to at all times by Approved Tachograph Centres and their staff when conducting tachograph work. 

Workshops

How often do digital tachograph systems need to be calibrated? 

The digital tachograph systems must be checked and calibrated by an authorised calibration centre every 2 years.  This requirement applies throughout the EU.

Workshops

What type of equipment can be used for DTCO configuration?

VDO's latest innovative Tachograph Calibration Test Device - Compact Test Computer (CTC II) can used to replace your existing Rolling Road Hand Set and Cradle (ATC and MTC), CD3 or for upgrading your Hartridge Rolling Road.

A VDO downloadkey II is also available for downloading mass memory data and KIPAS 2.0 provides an electronic database for transferring, evaluation and displaying workshop card data.

Workshops

What happens to mass memory data when a DTCO is replaced?

The calibration centre should download all data from the mass memory of the system being replaced and provide it on request to the fleet operator on a suitable data storage medium.  VDO provides KIPAS 2.0 calibration centre software to do this. 

Workshops

What is a workshop card?

The Workshop Card is a personalised smart card which is issued to approved technicians at VOSA approved Digital Tachograph Centres, so that the centres can calibrate and download data from digital tachographs.  The Workshop Card is valid for 1 year and allows for the testing and programming of digital tachographs, and can be used to store calibration data.

Workshops

What data is stored on the workshop card?

• Identifying data (information about the calibration centre, card number, issuing authority, validity)
• Test drive data (vehicles used, driver activities, events, faults)
• Calibration data from up to 88 tachograph checks (when calibration took place, vehicle data, DTCO identification, adjustment factors) 

Workshops

What happens when my workshop card is full?

The workshop card's data memory is operated on a rolling road basis in which the latest data automatically overwrites the oldest stored data.  Therefore the workshop card stores the key data from the last 88 checks.

Workshops

Can I display the information stored on the workshop card?

Yes, the KIPAS 2.0 software from VDO is a module for transferring, evaluation and displaying workshop card data.

Workshops

Who gets a workshop card?

Only trained technicians at calibration centres, which are authorised by VOSA, to check digital tachographs will get Workshop Cards.

Workshops

Can our calibration centre obtain more than one workshop card?

Only trained technicians at authorised calibration centres will be issued with workshop cards.  The number of workshops cards for an authorised calibration centre will therefore depend on the number of employees trained to check and test digital tachographs.

Workshops

How do I get a Workshop Card?

You will need to apply to VOSA for a Workshop Card.

Workshops

Does the Workshop Card have unlimited validity?

No, the EU has decided that the Workshop Card will no longer be valid after a maximum of 1 year and must then be replaced.

Workshops

Can the information stored on the Workshop Card be evaluated?

 Yes, VDO offers KIPAS 2.0 workshop software for downloading, evaluating archiving Workshop Card data.  This software enables the processing and managment of calibrations/inspections/minor repair, customer and vehicle data - with KIPAS you simply enter customer data once, including details of the associated vehicles and can then access the information whenever you need it.