Driving and rest times
How long may you drive, when must you take a break and how long must you rest? Here are the driving and rest times from EU Regulation 561/2006, clearly explained with the key exceptions. Then practise in the simulator how the tachograph tracks those times exactly.
The drivers’ hours rules set how long a driver may be at the wheel and when rest is mandatory. The digital tachograph records this automatically and warns when limits are exceeded. Knowing the rules and how the device counts them prevents fines. Below are the essentials; then practise in the VYS Tacho simulator how driving time, break and rest run on the display.
The key rules
Daily driving time
Maximum 9 hours per day, extendable to 10 hours twice a week. Up to 56 hours per week and 90 hours per two weeks.
Break after 4h30
After 4.5 hours of driving a 45-minute break, or split into 15 minutes followed by 30 minutes in that order.
Daily rest
At least 11 hours, reducible to 9 hours (max. 3 times between two weekly rests) or split into 3 + 9 hours.
Weekly rest
Normally 45 hours, reducible to 24 hours if compensated later. Two reduced weekly rests in a row are not allowed.
Exceptions
The ferry/train rule, the 12-day rule for international passenger transport and the “unforeseen circumstances” exception.
Practise it yourself
In the simulator you see the continuous driving time, the 4h15/4h30 warning and the rest counter run live, exactly as on the real device.
Frequently asked questions
How many hours may I drive per day?
Normally 9 hours, extendable to 10 hours a maximum of twice a week. Driving time is not the same as working time.
When must I take a break?
No later than after 4.5 hours of driving you take a 45-minute break, or 15 + 30 minutes in that order. Then a new driving block starts.
How long is the daily rest?
At least 11 continuous hours, or split as 3 + 9 hours. Reduction to 9 hours is allowed a maximum of three times between two weekly rests.
What is the weekly rest?
Normally 45 hours. A reduced weekly rest of at least 24 hours is allowed but must be compensated and not two weeks in a row.
Does the tachograph track this automatically?
Yes. The digital tachograph records driving time, break and rest and warns of (impending) overruns. Practise that in the simulator.
Practise driving and rest times in the simulator
See how the tachograph tracks driving time, break and rest. Start free in your browser or app.
Open the simulator