Driver Information

Digital Tachographs – Basic User Guide

As of 1^st May 2006 every eligible vehicle is required to be fitted with a digital tachograph vehicle unit (VU) to assist drivers in keeping track of their hours behind the wheel. The most common tacho in use today is made by Continental Automotive (formerly known as Siemens) and the second most common is made by Stoneridge. It is very important that drivers have a thorough knowledge of how to use their tachograph and the rules and regulations attached to them to help maintain accurate driving records. ...

The Benefits of Trade Unions

It’s difficult enough keeping track of VOSA rules and regulations and keeping a running tally on your driving time without having to be concerned about negotiating wages and working conditions with your employer. Fortunately there are a number of road haulage unions in the UK who will handle negotiations for you.

The general purpose of a union is to have an organization that will give a voice to drivers through advocating for better wages, improved working conditions, and health/safety standards. ...

The Importance of Safe and Fuel Efficient Driving

These days it seems like employers are only willing to hire drivers who have had some training in safe and fuel efficient driving. While it’s easy to understand the benefits of fuel efficient driving to the owners of trucking companies it can be difficult to understand the benefits of optimizing fuel efficiency and reducing emissions to the average driver. You will find that through keeping an eye on your MPG you will benefit your career and make a lasting impact on the environment.
...

Everyone knows how vitally important it is to arrive on time for the first day of work at a new job. You spent the night before reading over your new employee hand book and turned in early in order to be well rested and sharp for your first day on the job. The only problem, you forgot to set your alarm. The next morning you begin to rouse after a peaceful night’s sleep only to be shocked completely awake when you look at the clock. You only have 20 minutes to make it across town to your new job; filled with panic you throw on whatever clothes you can reach the fastest, and race out the door with mismatched socks and a piece of toast hanging from your mouth.
...

Download: Rules on Drivers' Hours and Tachographs

New rules came into effect on 11 April 2007. There are many minor changes.

Getting Familiar With The Drivers Hours Law And Tachograph Information

If your profession is driving and that you are tasked to carry either passengers or goods (think: truck driver) or if you are running a certain business that operates trucks or those commercial vehicles like buses and vans, you should be aware of the so-called “drivers hours” especially if you’re within the EU countries. This is also known as the drivers' working hours or driving hours, which is a certain set of regulations governing the working hours of those professional drivers within the European Union. The new law came about on April 11, 2007. You should check out information regarding this topic if you are indeed planning to be a professional driver or want to get involved in the business operating trucks and similar vehicles.
...

The Graduated Fixed Penalties and Deposits Scheme was introduced by the Vehicle and Operator Services Agency (VOSA) in 2009. It extends the previous fixed penalty scheme used by police forces in England, Wales and Scotland.

At present, fixed penalty notices are only issued to drivers for offences that are being committed at the time of the inspection. They are being used to deal with the majority of drivers' hours, excess weight and vehicle condition offences, unless the offences are considered too serious or the number of offences too numerous.

Enforcement officers from VOSA can now issue fixed penalties. Previously, only police officers had the power to do this. In addition, a deposit against a fine can be taken from drivers who cannot provide evidence of a UK address.

Under the new scheme, some penalties you will face are graduated - in up to four levels - according to the circumstances or severity of the offence.
...