To operate using the in-vehicle Tachograph the driver must first select the ‘Out of Scope’ mode, please follow the instructions below to place the Tachograph into ‘Out of Scope’:

• Insert Tachograph card into port No1 – magnetic reader uppermost.
• Selecting ‘Out of Scope’

1. With Ignition on:
2. Press OK
3. Will Read: PRINTOUT
4. Press Down Arrow until the display reads Entry Vehicle
5. Press OK
6. Will Read : OUT begin or end.
7. Press OK and hold for 10 seconds

The instructions above have been tested on both Volvo and Mercedes.

Mode Selection:

• The OTHER WORK mode on the Tachograph should be the standard selection, other than during periods of breaks from driving or Periods of Rest.

• There is no need to select the DRIVING mode as any periods of driving will automatically be recorded as such.

• Select the REST mode to record any Break from driving or any rest period.

• You should also select the REST mode to record any period of the day when you are at work but not actually doing anything, some examples of this are:

1. Waiting for further instruction.
2. Waiting for the attendance of a breakdown vehicle when the elapsed time is typically 60mins to 90min.
3. When travelling as a second man.
4. Arriving early for a timed delivery or area of curfew.
5. When waiting at a specific destination where delays are always experienced.

Please note that any period shown as REST should not be included when calculating your total daily/weekly duty time.

In addition, it is important to note there is no detrimental effect on your weekly/monthly pay when selecting the above modes.

Following on from concerns raised by some drivers regarding the interpretation of British Domestic Driving Rules, especially taking breaks/rest periods Quest Medical (UK) Ltd would like to take the opportunity to clarify the interpretation understood by the Transport Office team and confirmed by the Directors: 

• In any working day the maximum of driving permitted is 10 hours. The daily driving limit applies to driving on and off the public road.
• The day is the 24-hour period beginning with the start of duty time.
• In any working day the maximum amount of duty is 11 hours.
• Duty includes driving and other works (vehicle checks, packing down/setting up trailers) but does not include rest or breaks.
• GB domestic rules make no specific provision for rest period or breaks but employers are required under working time directives to ensure drivers have “adequate rest” which includes “adequate breaks”.
• Adequate rest is defined as being long and continuous enough to ensure that a driver does not harm themselves, fellow workers or others and they do not damage their health in the long or short term.
• Drivers must keep written records of their hours of work on a weekly record sheet (logbook) OR alternatively an EU-approved and sealed tachograph (all rules on the fitment and use of tachograph must be complied with). 

The above is an overview of Great British Domestic Rules on drivers hours (Goods Vehicles). More information can be found at https://www.gov.uk/guidance/drivers-hours-goods-vehicles/2-great-britain-domestic-rules. 

Quest Medical (UK) Ltd have previously consulted with both DVSA and the RHA for their interpretations of the rules around British Domestic Driving Hours. The DVSA responded verbally “We would expect to see a driver have a minimum of 13 hours rest and breaks in a 24-hour period, including at least one period of continuous break of 8 hours when the driver would sleep”. The RHA have responded with a similar comment although pointing out a case would need to go to court for a definitive legal ruling. 

For clarification Quest Directors believe that the 13-hour rest and break periods within a 24 hour period (from start of shift) can be split to suit the collections and delivery times of mobile scanners with the provision that a minimum continuous break of eight hours can be taken within the 24 hour period, thus providing the requirement for an adequate rest for the driver.      

Simon Overbury – Group Operations Director