Are you aware that HGVs (Heavy Goods Vehicles) are subject to driver-hour regulations? This is because, according to a survey, fatigue is responsible for 9-10% of all accidents. To avoid such scenarios and driver fatigue, it is necessary to follow the Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGV) working time directives. This will increase road safety. It is also considered mandatory to go through HGV Driver Training in the first place in order to have safer driving experiences.
The general laws and regulations that control the maximum commercial driving hours, as well as needed rest periods, are known as HGV Drivers’ Hours. The following are the general guidelines for drivers of vehicles weighing more than 3.5 tonnes. Furthermore, the HGV working time restrictions must be followed to avoid falling asleep while driving, as well as to reduce reaction times and reduce driver errors. HGV Driver Training also aids in the awareness of all rules prior to passing the authorities’ HGV license tests.
Let’s discuss these working hours in detail:
- HGV drivers are only allowed to drive for a maximum of 9 hours a day, or a maximum of 10 hours twice a week, according to the law.
- Drivers on the night shift are authorized to drive for a maximum of 10 hours, which can be increased through collective bargaining.
- When a person commutes from home to work, it does not qualify as driving time.
- The drivers are provided 45 hours of respite over the course of a week. Under the rules, it can be reduced to 24 hours, but it must be followed by a full 2-week rest period.
- Drivers are advised to work no more than 48 hours per week on average. This can last anywhere from 17 to 26 weeks, depending on the labor agreement.
- Furthermore, drivers should work no more than 60 hours every week (driving, as well as the other work, is included in this respect).
- Drivers should not work more than 90 hours in a two-week period.
Rest Period and rules
The total time between the end of one work session and the start of the next day’s session is referred to as a daily rest period.
Additionally, drivers must take a general 11-hour rest break each and every day, or a 12-hour rest period if broken into two periods of 3 hours and 9 hours, as required by law. This rest period can usually be cut down to 9 hours three times a week. For a better understanding, look over the HGV Driver Training London modules.
To ensure safer driving experiences, officials have imposed a 6-hour regulation. A motorist should not work (driving or otherwise) for more than six hours without taking a break, according to this rule. The six-hour rule is a popular method of reducing HGV drive time. Examine the HGV Driver Training London modules to gain a better understanding of the situation.
Before working for the whole six hours, a worker must take at least a 15-minute break, according to the six-hour rule. You’ll need to go through HGV Driver Training London to ensure that everything goes well and that you get the best results.
