How Long Can You Drive?

Even though we’ve left the EU the UK rules are still the same as the EU. Lorry drivers can drive for 9 hours in every day. These hours can be increased to 10 hours, but this can only be done twice in a week. There is a 56 hour maximum driving limit per week, and 90 hours limit in a fortnight. This means if you’ve driven for 56 hours in one week you can only drive for 34 hours the next.

Take Breaks

Drivers must also take regular breaks. They must not drive for more than four and a half hours without taking a break of at least 45 minutes. The drivers day can be broken up more than this, if they were to drive for two hours then take a 15 minute break they could legally drive for another two and a half hours before taking at least a 30 minute break. If you’re going to continue to drive after your second break you’ll need to have the length of breaks this way round. You couldn’t drive for 2 hours, rest for 30 minutes, drive for another two and a half hours then have a break of a quarter of an hour, and then start driving again.

Obviously breaks need to be taken in a sensible and safe place, so some planning is required to ensure everything works out as it should.

Drivers are allowed to do other work to make up the rest of their working day. This could be loading, unloading or cleaning and maintaining their vehicle. There are different rules if their time has not been just driving. Full guidelines can be found on the gov.com website

Keep Records

To prove that you’ve followed the rules you’ll need to carry your tachograph for today and the last 28 days. This allows the police to check you’re within the right hours if they need to. We understand driving an HGV is a rewarding and demanding job, and we can train you to be a professional driver. If you’re looking for HGV training get in touch with us today.