PCV Theory Test: Drivers’ Hours and Rest Periods

There are 54 PCV theory test Drivers' Hours and Rest Periods questions. You must get 85% (46 out of 54) to pass the test. You may review answers after each question by clicking the 'check answer' button or you can wait until the end of the test for your final score. Good luck!

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A They can be given three warnings
B They can be heavily fined
C They can be let off if they're new to using tachographs
D They can have their passport withdrawn
Correct Answer: B They can be heavily fined
Explanation: The driver must take responsibility and follow the drivers' hours and tachograph rules. Failure to do so can result in legal action and penalties - such as a fine.
A Carry enough approved charts
B Reuse charts twice
C Use damaged charts if they're clean
D Use dirty charts if they're undamaged
Correct Answer: A Carry enough approved charts
Explanation: Make sure you carry enough approved tachograph charts for your journey. Store your spare charts in a plastic wallet to keep them clean and undamaged.
Correct Answer: B One week
Explanation: If the tachograph on your vehicle becomes faulty, you should take it to an approved tachograph repairer as soon as possible. If you can't return to your base within a week of finding the fault, it must be repaired while you're away. While the tachograph is faulty or broken, you must keep a manual record of your activities.
A The officer
B The vehicle owner
C You, the driver
D Your transport manager
Correct Answer: A The officer
Explanation: When an enforcement officer keeps a record chart, the driver should ask the officer to sign the back of the replacement chart. They'll need to give their name, telephone number and the number of charts they've kept. The replacement chart must be used to continue the journey. You should always carry more blank charts than you think you'll need.
A With their date of birth
B With their home address
C With their name
D With their service number
Correct Answer: C With their name
Explanation: If your records are kept by an enforcement officer, you should ask the officer to endorse the replacement charts with their name and telephone number. The enforcement officer should also record the number of charts they keep. Alternatively, they can give you a receipt for the charts.
A As a defence against a speeding prosecution
B For recording extra loading duties and overtime
C To record when you've been in a traffic delay
D To replace the original chart if it gets dirty
Correct Answer: D To replace the original chart if it gets dirty
Explanation: Your employer should supply enough approved charts for your journey. They should include spares in case any get damaged or are taken by an authorised inspecting officer.
Correct Answer: C 4.5 hours
Explanation: It's essential that you don't become drowsy through driving for excessively long periods. EU rules are in place to prevent this. You must take a break after a maximum of 4.5 hours of continuous driving. Your work details must be available for inspection by enforcement staff. Make sure that you know the rules for the journey and the type of vehicle you're driving.
A At least 15 minutes
B At least 30 minutes
C At least 45 minutes
D At least 60 minutes
Correct Answer: C At least 45 minutes
Explanation: You must take an uninterrupted break of 45 minutes after four-and-a-half hours of driving. This break may be replaced by two shorter breaks of at least 15 and 30 minutes, taken in that order, during the four-and-a-half hours. During any break, you mustn't drive or do any other work.
A 10 hours, extended to 11 hours on three days of the week
B 10 hours, extended to 11 hours on two days of the week
C 9 hours, extended to 10 hours on two days of the week
D 9 hours, extended to 11 hours on three days of the week
Correct Answer: C 9 hours, extended to 10 hours on two days of the week
Explanation: You're allowed to extend your daily driving time twice a week, to 10 hours a day. A 'day' is generally any 24-hour period that starts when you begin driving (or other work) again, after the last daily or weekly rest period.
Correct Answer: D 9 hours
Explanation: Under EU rules, you must have a minimum daily rest of 11 consecutive hours. A reduced daily rest period is any period of rest of at least 9 hours, but less than 11 hours.
Correct Answer: C Three days
Explanation: Under EU rules, you must have a minimum daily rest of 11 consecutive hours. However you may reduce this to 9 hours for up to three days in any one week.
A 11 hours
B 13 hours
C 14 hours
D 8 hours
Correct Answer: A 11 hours
Explanation: Drivers' hours and rest periods are controlled in the interests of road safety. A driver's daily rest period should normally be 11 hours, but this may be reduced to 9 hours for three days in one week. It's a serious offence to break these rules and anyone doing so is liable to a heavy fine and even imprisonment.
A 40 hours
B 41 hours
C 42 hours
D 45 hours
Correct Answer: D 45 hours
Explanation: The working week is defined as from 00.00 hours on Monday to 24.00 hours on the following Sunday. When taking the weekly rest period, a daily rest period must normally be extended to at least 45 consecutive hours.
A Not use the tachograph for such duties
B Share the same tachograph chart
C Use a separate tachograph chart for every driving period
D Use their own tachograph chart
Correct Answer: D Use their own tachograph chart
Explanation: Your tachograph chart is your personal work record and should only reflect the hours that you drive or do other work. The law says that these charts should be held on file by your employer for at least one year. Enforcement officers can ask for charts to be handed over for inspection.
A As a break in daily driving
B As a daily rest period
C As a weekly rest period
D As driving time
Correct Answer: A As a break in daily driving
Explanation: You may only record a break when you're not doing any other type of work. You're allowed to take a break on a double-manned vehicle while the other crew member is driving, but any break must be a minimum of 15 minutes.
A Driving time
B Engine temperature
C Fuel consumption
D Load weight
Correct Answer: A Driving time
Explanation: The tachograph is a tool designed to help you be a safe and responsible driver. The tachograph records details of your journey, including time driven, speed and rest periods.
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: A tachograph allows you to select the mode or task that you're undertaking. Time spent on that task is then recorded automatically. Each task has a different symbol. You need to know the meaning of each, so that your records are correct. The modes are: driving, doing other work, on duty and available for work, and taking a break or rest.
A Chart not required
B Driver at rest
C Driving
D Other work
Correct Answer: C Driving
Explanation: Each activity has a different symbol. You should know what they mean, so that you can select the correct one. You're responsible for recording all your activities correctly. Some tachographs don't have a 'driving' mode switch. These tachographs will automatically record driving time whenever the vehicle is moved, whatever mode the switch is set to.
A Illness
B Other work
C Weekly rest periods
D Who's driving
Correct Answer: B Other work
Explanation: As you change activities during the day, you should change the mode switch on the tachograph to record each activity. Failure to operate the mode switch could get you into trouble with your employer or the authorities.
Correct Answer: A 34
Explanation: If you've driven a total of 56 hours in any one week, you can only drive for 34 hours in the following week. Keep your own record to make sure that you don't exceed these hours.
A Continue using the same tachograph chart and write an explanation on the back
B Continue using the same tachograph chart, without any explanation or record
C Remove the tachograph chart and make a manual record of the rest of the journey
D Remove the tachograph chart and tell your employer the reason
Correct Answer: A Continue using the same tachograph chart and write an explanation on the back
Explanation: In an emergency, you may exceed the drivers' hours rules. As long as road safety isn't put at risk, you can drive for longer to deliver your passengers, your vehicle or its load to safety. In these circumstances, you should note all the reasons on the back of your tachograph chart.
A Having insufficient breaks from driving
B Making frequent and regular stops
C Taking driving breaks on board the vehicle
D Using vehicles with automatic gearboxes
Correct Answer: A Having insufficient breaks from driving
Explanation: Tiredness will affect your concentration. Don't allow yourself to become tired through not taking proper breaks or rest periods. As a professional driver, you have a responsibility either for goods or for passengers, as well as for overall road safety. Make sure your vehicle is well ventilated, so you don't become drowsy between rest periods.
A Speed up to get to your destination sooner
B Stop as soon as it's safe to do so
C Switch on the radio and complete your journey
D Wind down a window and carry on
Correct Answer: B Stop as soon as it's safe to do so
Explanation: If you start to feel tired, you should stop as soon as it's safe to do so, even if you aren't due a break. Make sure that you get enough sleep before you're due to work, especially if you're on an early shift.
A Reduce your planned driving time to three hours
B Slow down to a safer speed
C Stop as soon as it's safe to do so
D Take a less busy route
Correct Answer: C Stop as soon as it's safe to do so
Explanation: Most incidents happen as a result of a lapse in concentration. Don't let this happen to you. If you start to feel tired, you won't perform as well as you should. Your reactions will slow down, and your anticipation and judgement of hazards will become flawed. If you feel tired, stop and rest as soon as it's safe to do so.
A Leave by the next exit and find a place to stop
B Stop on the hard shoulder and rest
C Stop on the next slip road and rest
D Stop on the verge of the motorway and rest
Correct Answer: A Leave by the next exit and find a place to stop
Explanation: If you're driving for long distances on a motorway, have plenty of rest stops. Many incidents have been caused by drivers falling asleep at the wheel. If you feel yourself becoming tired, you need to leave the motorway and find a safe place to stop; usually this would be the next service area.
A At a service station
B In a deceleration lane
C On a slip road
D On the hard shoulder
Correct Answer: A At a service station
Explanation: Travelling long distances on a motorway can be boring. Looking at the same thing for a long period of time can make you feel tired and affect your concentration. If you start to feel tired, leave the motorway by the next exit and stop in a safe place to rest. Ideally you should use a service area, where you can rest and take some refreshment before you restart your journey.
A Keep the engine running but lock the doors
B Leave a note in the window explaining you'll be back soon
C Leave the keys available in case of obstruction
D Secure the vehicle and lock the doors
Correct Answer: D Secure the vehicle and lock the doors
Explanation: Take all the precautions you can to remove opportunities for theft. Lock your vehicle, especially when making deliveries and leaving the vehicle unattended.
Correct Answer: B 30 minutes
Explanation: The maximum driving period under EU rules is 4 hours 30 minutes. After this, you must take a break of at least 45 minutes. Planning your route will allow you to take your statutory rest periods in a safe place, such as a service area, where you can get food, drink and a rest.
Correct Answer: A 10 hours
Explanation: You're permitted to extend the daily limit of nine hours to 10 hours twice a week. Don't drive for more than the maximum hours allowed, as you risk a heavy fine and may lose your licence.
Correct Answer: D Two days
Explanation: Under EU rules, your normal daily driving time mustn't exceed nine hours. This nine-hour period is defined as the time between
  • any two daily rest periods, or
  • a daily rest period and a weekly rest period.
You're allowed to extend these hours to 10 hours twice a week.
Correct Answer: D 28
Explanation: The smart card will record information covering a period of about 28 days. If you use it beyond this period, some of the recorded information will be overwritten.
A One of 10 minutes, plus one of 35
B One of 15 minutes, plus one of 30
C One of 20 minutes, plus one of 25
D One of 40 minutes, plus one of 5
Correct Answer: B One of 15 minutes, plus one of 30
Explanation: Under EU regulations, you must take a break of at least 45 minutes after four-and-a-half hours of driving. You may choose to take this break during the driving period. In this case, it can be split into two breaks of at least 15 and 30 minutes, taken in that order.
Correct Answer: D Within 7 days
Explanation: As a professional driver, you have a responsibility to report any loss or theft of your digital smart card. You must inform the nearest relevant authority within seven days.
A Five years
B One year
C Ten years
D Three years
Correct Answer: A Five years
Explanation: Digital tachograph driver smart cards are valid for a maximum of five years. You should receive a reminder about three months before the expiry date. However, it's your responsibility to make sure that you apply for a new card at least 15 days before the old one expires.
A A tachograph centre
B The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency
C The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency
D The police
Correct Answer: B The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency
Explanation: Driver cards for digital tachographs are issued by the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency in Swansea. In Northern Ireland, the cards are issued by the Driver and Vehicle Agency. Tell them if your card is lost or stolen.
A A tachograph centre
B Any MOT test centre
C The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency
D The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency
Correct Answer: C The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency
Explanation: Driver cards for digital tachographs are issued by the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency. In Northern Ireland, the cards are issued by the Driver and Vehicle Agency. They can send you a replacement card, for a fee.
Correct Answer: D Unlimited
Explanation: EU drivers' hours regulations say that any driver who fails to comply with, or obstructs, an enforcement officer in the course of their duties can face an unlimited fine.
A At no time
B If there are two or more drivers
C If your journey is over 50 miles
D When you have no spare charts
Correct Answer: A At no time
Explanation: Altering drivers' hours records or tampering with a tachograph with intent to deceive is a criminal offence. You, and anyone else involved, could go to prison. You could also lose your licence.
A A working period of 56 hours
B Any seven-day period
C Between 00.00 hours and 24.00 hours six days later
D Between 00.00 hours on Monday and 24.00 hours the following Sunday
Correct Answer: D Between 00.00 hours on Monday and 24.00 hours the following Sunday
Explanation: The rules define a week as a period between 00.00 hours on Monday and 24.00 hours the following Sunday. You must make sure that you don't exceed any weekly driving limit.
Correct Answer: D Workshop card
Explanation: The workshop card is available only to approved calibration centres. There are three other types of digital tachograph card:
  • driver card, used by the driver
  • company card, used by an operator
  • control card, used by enforcement authorities.

A CPC card
B Company card
C Control card
D Workshop card
Correct Answer: C Control card
Explanation: Various types of smart card are used in digital tachograph systems:
  • driver card, used by drivers
  • company card, used by operators
  • workshop card, available only to approved calibration centres
  • control card, available only to Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) officials and the police, for carrying out enforcement.

A A tachograph calibration centre
B Highways England
C The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency
D The Post Office
Correct Answer: C The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency
Explanation: In Great Britain, a replacement smart card can only be obtained from the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA). In Northern Ireland, they're available from the Driver and Vehicle Agency (DVA).
A The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency
B The authorised calibration centre
C The driver's employer
D The local MOT testing centre
Correct Answer: C The driver's employer
Explanation: The driver's employer is responsible for the issue of tachograph charts. The driver must ensure that the correct information is recorded on the chart.
A By checking the vehicle's service record
B By contacting the vehicle's manufacturer
C From a date on the tachograph chart
D From a plaque on or near the tachograph
Correct Answer: D From a plaque on or near the tachograph
Explanation: An analogue tachograph must be checked every two years and recalibrated every six years. A plaque on or near the tachograph will show when it was last checked.
A Every eight years
B Every four years
C Every six years
D Every two years
Correct Answer: C Every six years
Explanation: When an analogue tachograph is installed and calibrated, an installation plaque is fixed near the tachograph. This shows the date of the most recent tachograph calibration. Under EU rules, this must take place every six years.
A Leave it in the broken-down vehicle
B Take it with you for security, but use a new chart in the new vehicle
C Take it with you, and use it in the new vehicle
D Telephone the testing authority for permission to drive without a chart
Correct Answer: C Take it with you, and use it in the new vehicle
Explanation: When changing vehicles, you should also record certain pieces of information, including the closing odometer reading, the registration number of the new vehicle, the odometer start reading and the time of the vehicle change.
A 100 hours
B 105 hours
C 85 hours
D 90 hours
Correct Answer: D 90 hours
Explanation: Under EU rules, the maximum number of hours that you can drive in any two consecutive weeks is 90 hours. These don't have to be split evenly, but the total amount of driving time in any one week mustn't exceed 56 hours. Don't exceed your driving hours; heavy fines can be given to drivers who break the law.
A Every five years
B Every six years
C Every two years
D Every year
Correct Answer: C Every two years
Explanation: An analogue tachograph must be checked every two years and recalibrated and sealed every six years. This must be done at an approved calibration centre. Digital tachographs, unlike analogue ones, must be recalibrated every two years.
Correct Answer: D EU only
Explanation: If you're driving a bus on an excursion (that is, not a regular journey) and your vehicle has 18 or more seats, you must use EU rules and record the details.
Correct Answer: C 45 minutes
Explanation: After a driving for a period of no more than 4.5 hours, you must take a break of at least 45 minutes, which mustn't be interrupted. If you're carrying passengers, they'll probably also be grateful for a break. Taking breaks at the correct time will keep you and your passengers safe and comfortable.
A If a smoke alarm is fitted
B If it's fitted with a bunk
C If the vehicle's in an authorised coach park
D If there are no passengers on board
Correct Answer: B If it's fitted with a bunk
Explanation: Some vehicles are fitted with sleeping accommodation for the driver. If your vehicle has this facility, you're allowed to take your daily rest period there, provided your vehicle is stationary.
A Ask to see a warrant card
B Comply with the request
C Invite the official aboard
D Refuse to leave the vehicle
Correct Answer: A Ask to see a warrant card
Explanation: If you're asked to leave your vehicle by an official who isn't in uniform, ask to see their warrant card. The official is likely to be an enforcement or police officer, but don't presume this.
A Check that the gear lever is in first
B Check that the gear lever is in reverse
C Check that the parking brake is applied
D Check that the tachograph chart is removed
Correct Answer: C Check that the parking brake is applied
Explanation: Make sure that your vehicle is safe whenever you leave it unattended. Always stop the engine and apply the parking brake.
A When the journey is more than 10 km
B When the journey is more than 20 km
C When the journey is more than 50 km
D When the journey is more than 80 km
Correct Answer: C When the journey is more than 50 km
Explanation: Operators of buses used for regular journeys of more than 50 km must use tachographs.