Posted By warren
A dept has had a requirement to transport box trailers around the UK since 1988, in order to undertake monitoring trials. This has meant that since September 1988, following the advice of Traffic Examiners from the UK's Department of Transport, we have required an Operator's Licence and Identity Disc, as well as having an analogue tachograph fitted to a Department's van for use whilst towing trailers.

Am I right in thinking - An Operator's Licence must be held by any operator of goods vehicles used to carry goods for commercial purposes on the public road. This means both " own account " and " hire & reward " operations and covers all types of commercial activity.
A new vehicle has posed a problem, as it has been delivered fitted with a digital tachograph. Digital tachographs are electronic devices that record driving time, rest and break periods and need to be used by operators to monitor drivers compliance with EU drivers hours rules. I understand that the law applies to any goods vehicle over 3.5 tonnes gross weight ( or a combination of a goods vehicle and goods-carrying trailers which together exceed the limit ) when used for business purposes.
Does this now mean that individual drivers require Driver cards & a management representative requires a Company card to use in the tachograph, as well as purchasing download equipment & software so that the information stored on the cards can be analysed and kept and made available for inspection by the Vehicle Operator Services Agency or the Police, for a period of at least 12 months.I assume training for drivers and responsible staff looking after the data will also need to be undertaken.Does anyone know of any such training?

Can anyone help, is my interpretation of the situation above correct? Anyone know of any suitable training courses for drivers etc.. (+ me!). Where can I find more information on the Driver Card requirement?

Thanks in anticipation...

Posted By Dave Faragher
Hi Warren,
contact me on www.davefaragher@hotmail.co.uk as a digital tachograph trainer i may be able to help you,
D Faragher