• KNOWLEDGE HUB
This category covers the tachograph equipment itself - how the recording device works, the cards that operate it, and the rules for keeping its data clean and compliant.
The detail sits in Regulation (EU) 165/2014, which governs digital and smart tachographs, two yearly calibration at approved centres, and what you must do when a unit develops a fault on the road.
These guides walk through download frequencies, calibration and inspection intervals, fault handling and manual records, and the move to the smart tachograph.
• QUICK ANSWERS
Driver cards need to be downloaded every 28 days. Vehicle Units (‘VU’) need to be downloaded every 90 days. However, it is recommended to download driver and vehicle unit data frequently to help identify infringements early and maintain compliance.
If a vehicle is declared VOR, it is temporarily withdrawn from service. The vehicle cannot be used for any transport activity until is it repaired and declared roadworthy. The vehicle must be marked as VOR on the PMI scheduler and immobilised. If the VOR affects PMI scheduling, you must record this and reschedule accordingly.
Drivers may still drive if a digital driver card has been lost/damaged/stolen. You must report the issue to the DVLA immediately. You must apply for a replacement card within 7 days of discovering the issue. You may drive for up to 15 calendar days on daily printouts (start and end of each duty period – signed and dated by the driver with a description of the reason on the back of the printout).
Drivers CAN NOT drive without a driver card if their driver card has expired. They must reapply for a new licence and wait until it has arrived to continue normal driving duties.