The driver card
The driver card is your personal tachograph card: it records your driving, rest and working times. Here you read how to apply for it, use it in the tachograph, download it in time and what to do if it is lost or damaged. Then practise inserting and downloading it in the simulator.
Every professional driver with a digital tachograph has their own driver card. That card goes in slot 1 and stores your activities: driving, rest, availability and other work. The card is valid for five years and must be downloaded regularly. Below are the practical rules; in the VYS Tacho simulator you practise inserting, the manual entry and downloading exactly, without a truck.
What you need to know
Applying
You apply for the card at the issuing authority in your country (in the UK via the DVLA). You need it as soon as you drive a digital tachograph.
Using
Card in slot 1 (driver), co-driver in slot 2. On insertion the manual entry of start and end country and any end-of-work time follows.
Download (28 days)
The card data must be downloaded and kept at least every 28 days; the vehicle unit every 90 days.
Validity 5 years
The card is valid for five years. Apply for a new one in time, at least 15 working days before expiry, so you keep driving.
Loss or damage
On loss, theft or defect you report it and apply for a replacement card within 7 calendar days. You may drive up to 15 days without a card using printouts.
Practise it yourself
In the simulator you insert the card, go through the manual entry and see the activities recorded on the card, exactly like the real thing.
Frequently asked questions
How do I apply for a driver card?
At the issuing authority in your country (in the UK the DVLA). You need a valid driving licence and usually a photo and signature.
Which slot does the driver card go in?
The driver inserts the card in slot 1, any co-driver in slot 2. When drivers swap, the cards swap slots.
How often must I download the card?
The driver card at least every 28 days, the vehicle unit every 90 days. The data must be kept afterwards.
What if my driver card is lost or broken?
Report it and apply for a replacement within 7 days. You may keep driving up to 15 days using daily printouts from the device.
How long is the card valid?
Five years. Apply for a renewal in time so you can keep driving without interruption.
Practise the driver card in the simulator
Insert, manual entry and download: do it in the simulator. Free in your browser or app.
Open the simulator