HGV driver hours rules without the jargon

# HGV driver hours rules without the jargon

If you are a van driver, warehouse worker or shop delivery driver looking for better weekly pay, HGV work could be a good step. Before you apply for jobs, it is important to understand the rules around driving, breaks and rest.

The rules can look complicated at first. They are mainly there to prevent tired driving and keep roads safe.

How many hours can an HGV driver drive?

The main HGV driver hours limits are:

• You can normally drive for up to nine hours in one day.
• You can extend this to 10 hours twice in the same week.
• You can drive for no more than 56 hours in one week.
• You must not drive for more than 90 hours over two consecutive weeks.

A week runs from midnight on Sunday to midnight the following Sunday. Your employer should plan work so that you stay within these limits.

Driving breaks

You must take a break of at least 45 minutes after no more than four and a half hours of driving.

You can take the full 45 minutes at once. You can also split it into two breaks. The first must be at least 15 minutes and the second at least 30 minutes. The second break must come after the driving period.

A break means you must not drive or carry out other work. Use it to rest properly, rather than loading, unloading or completing paperwork.

Daily and weekly rest

You normally need at least 11 hours of daily rest between working days. This can be reduced to nine hours, but only a limited number of times between weekly rest periods.

You must also take a regular weekly rest period of at least 45 hours. In some circumstances, this can be reduced, but the lost time must be paid back with equivalent rest by the end of the third following week.

Some drivers sleep in their cab. This is allowed when the vehicle has suitable sleeping facilities and is parked in a safe, appropriate place. Regular weekly rest must not be taken in the vehicle.

HGV working time rules

HGV working time is separate from driving time. It includes tasks such as:

• Loading and unloading
• Vehicle checks and cleaning
• Completing delivery records
• Helping customers or warehouse staff
• Transport-related paperwork

The average working week is normally limited to 48 hours, calculated over a reference period. A working week can reach 60 hours, provided the average remains within the limit.

Night work may have an additional limit. If you work more than 10 hours during a 24-hour period that includes night work, there may need to be an agreement or a suitable arrangement with your employer.

Tachograph rules explained

A tachograph records driving time, breaks, rest and other work. You will normally use a digital driver card in modern HGVs.

You must use your card correctly and select the right mode for driving, other work, availability or rest. Check the records regularly and report mistakes or faults to your employer.

Never drive using another driver’s card. Keep your driver card details up to date and follow the company’s instructions for downloading and checking records.

Breaking tachograph rules can lead to fines, enforcement action and problems for your operator. Serious or repeated offences can affect your ability to keep driving professionally.

Getting started in HGV work

Good employers should explain their schedules, pay structure and rest arrangements before you start. Ask how much waiting time, nights out and weekend work are involved.

For guidance on HGV training and the next steps, call 0800 820 3300 or visit /contact.