HGV (Heavy Goods Vehicle) drivers play a crucial role in transporting goods across the UK. However, spending long periods behind the wheel comes with important safety responsibilities, which is why there are strict rules around HGV driving hours, working time, breaks and rest periods.
Understanding the HGV driver hours rules is essential for drivers, fleet managers and businesses operating HGVs. These rules set limits on how long drivers can drive, when they must take breaks, and how much rest they must have between journeys.
In this guide, we'll explain the key HGV driving hours UK rules, including how many hours an HGV driver can work in a day, daily and weekly driving limits, required breaks and rest periods. We'll also cover tachographs, HGV licence requirements and other important HGV driving rules.
How many hours can an HGV driver work in a day?
One of the most common questions about HGV driving hours is: how many hours can a HGV driver work in a day?
Under the assimilated drivers' hours rules, an HGV driver can normally drive for up to 9 hours per day. This can be extended to 10 hours twice a week.
Drivers must also take regular breaks and rest periods. It's important to remember that driving time and working time are not the same thing. Loading and unloading, vehicle checks and other duties can count towards a driver's working time even when they aren't driving.
The main HGV driving limits are:
9 hours maximum driving per day.
10 hours maximum driving twice a week.
56 hours maximum driving per week.
90 hours maximum driving over two consecutive weeks.
45 minutes of breaks after no more than 4.5 hours of driving.
11 hours of daily rest, subject to permitted reductions.
HGV Driver hours rules: Daily driving limits
Under the UK assimilated drivers' hours rules, HGV drivers can normally drive for a maximum of 9 hours in a day. This can be extended to 10 hours on no more than two days in a fixed week.
Drivers must also stay within the weekly and fortnightly driving limits. These are:
56 hours of driving per week.
90 hours of driving over two consecutive weeks.
For example, a driver may drive for 10 hours on two days of the week, provided they remain within the overall weekly and two-week driving limits. These limits are designed to prevent excessive driving and help reduce the risks associated with driver fatigue.
How long can an HGV driver drive without a break?
HGV drivers must not drive for more than 4.5 hours without taking a qualifying break. After 4.5 hours of driving, a driver must take at least 45 minutes of break time. The break can be split into two periods:
The first break must be at least 15 minutes.
The second break must be at least 30 minutes.
Taking regular breaks is an important way to manage driver fatigue and maintain concentration during long journeys.
HGV Working hours vs driving hours
It's important to understand the difference between HGV driving hours and working hours.
Driving hours refer specifically to the amount of time a driver spends driving. Working time can include other activities carried out as part of the job, such as:
Loading and unloading.
Vehicle checks.
Cleaning and maintenance.
Completing paperwork.
Assisting with deliveries.
Other work is connected with the transport operation.
This means an HGV driver can work for longer than they actually spend driving. The separate Road Transport (Working Time) Regulations also apply to professional drivers, so businesses need to consider both driving-hour limits and working-time requirements when planning shifts and journeys.
HGV Weekly driving limits
HGV drivers are subject to weekly and fortnightly driving limits as well as daily restrictions. The maximum driving limits are:
Driving period | Maximum driving time |
|---|---|
One day | 9 hours |
Extended daily limit | 10 hours, twice a week |
One week | 56 hours |
Two consecutive weeks | 90 hours |
Drivers and fleet managers should consider these limits when planning routes and schedules to ensure drivers have enough time for breaks and rest.
HGV driver rest periods
HGV drivers must take regular rest periods to ensure they are sufficiently rested before continuing their journeys. Drivers generally need to take at least 11 hours of daily rest. In certain circumstances, this can be reduced to 9 hours, subject to the relevant rules.
Daily rest can also be split into two periods:
At least 3 hours of rest.
Followed by at least 9 hours of rest.
Weekly rest periods must also be taken in accordance with the drivers' hours rules.
Tachographs and record keeping HGV driving hours
HGV drivers operating under the relevant drivers' hours rules must use a tachograph to record driving time, breaks, rest periods and other activities. Tachographs help drivers and operators monitor compliance with HGV driving hours and identify any potential breaches.
It’s important that you learn to operate these devices properly to avoid costly fines and legal consequences. By accurately recording your driving hours, you can comply with regulations, prioritise road safety, and be prepared for vehicle inspections.
Overview of HGV licences
Any vehicle with a maximum permissible weight of more than 3.5 tonnes is considered an HGV. To drive one of these vehicles, you must obtain an HGV licence. There are different categories of HGV licences for you to choose from, and you’ll need to undergo regular training to keep your licence.
How long does a HGV licence last?
A HGV licence lasts for 5 years, and you must complete 35 hours of training within each 5-year period. When you reach the age of 65, you will need to renew your HGV licence every year. All medical conditions must be declared when you renew your licence. If you fail to follow the regulations and requirements for HGV drivers, your licence may be invalidated.
Categories of HGV licences
HGV licences are categorised into different classes based on the weight and type of vehicle that a driver is authorised to operate. To drive vehicles in the various categories, you will need to undertake additional training and tests as they each have specific criteria that you must meet before you can qualify.
The main categories are:
Licence category | What you can drive |
|---|---|
C1 | Vehicles between 3,500kg and 7,500kg |
C1+E | C1 vehicles with a trailer over 750kg |
C | Rigid vehicles over 3,500kg |
C+E | Articulated vehicles and vehicles with a trailer over 750kg |
Obtaining an HGV licence
To become an HGV driver, you need to:
Be over 18 years old.
Have a full car driving licence.
If you meet these requirements, then you can start the process of obtaining your HGV licence. The key steps you’ll need to take are:
Get a medical certificate: you will need to undergo a medical examination by a registered doctor to ensure you meet the medical standards required for an HGV driver.
Apply for a provisional HGV licence: You can apply for a provisional HGV licence through the DVLA website.
Pass a theory test: this test is similar to the one you must complete for your car driving licence and includes a multiple-choice test and a hazard perception test. This is designed to test your knowledge of road safety, traffic regulations and hazard awareness.
Undertake HGV training: enrol in an accredited HGV training course with a reputable training provider. The course will include practical training and guidance on HGV-specific driving skills.
Obtain a Driver CPC: to get an HGV license in the UK, you must first pass the Professional Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC). This was introduced to improve road safety and maintain high driving standards.
Pass the practical driving test: once you've completed your training, you'll need to pass the practical driving test, which includes vehicle safety checks, on-road driving, and manoeuvring exercises.
Driver certificate of professional competence (CPC)
You must have the full Driver CPC if you drive an HGV as your main job. There are 5 parts to the test, including a practical driving test. However, you might not need to complete them all, for example, if you previously qualified as an HGV driver and want to retrain.
The Driver CPC qualification ensures that HGV drivers are all trained to the same government standards and are up to date with all health, safety, and legal requirements. The Driver CPC requirement is important as it helps to reduce road accidents by ensuring HGV drivers are safer on the roads.
Periodic training
To keep your Driver CPC, you need to complete 35 hours of periodic training every 5 years. This is essential, as you could be fined up to £1,000 if caught driving professionally without the Driver CPC.
The minimum length of a training course is 7 hours. You can take it over 2 consecutive days, and it can include up to 2 hours of online training before you start. It’s recommended that you complete at least one day of training every year to ensure it doesn't lapse. Visit the DVSA website to find out where you can attend CPC courses.
HGV driver medical requirements
All HGV drivers are required to undergo a medical check. This involves a thorough assessment of your physical and mental health to determine if you’re fit to drive a commercial vehicle. You must meet these requirements before you can obtain a HGV licence.
Medical fitness
The medical check that HGV drivers need to undertake usually involves:
Medical history: You will be asked about any existing medical conditions or previous surgeries which may impact your ability to drive a HGV.
Physical examination: As part of your medical check, you will need a physical examination from a medical professional. They will assess your physical and mental health and take measurements of your height, weight, and blood pressure.
If you have a mental health condition or are taking medication that may impact your driving, you must report it to the DVLA. Failure to disclose a pre-existing medical condition could land you a £1,000 fine, and your licence may be revoked.
Eyesight standards
Eyesight requirements are stricter for HGV drivers than for those who drive a car. You must:
Be able to read a number plate from a distance of 20 yards.
Have a visual acuity of at least 6/7.5 (or 0.8) on the Snellen scale in your best eye.
Have a visual acuity of at least 6/60 (or 0.1) on the Snellen scale in your worst eye.
You can take the test wearing glasses, but their corrective power cannot be more than 8 dioptres, and you must have an uninterrupted visual field of at least 160 degrees.
Vehicle and road safety
Navigating roads in such a large vehicle is extremely challenging and dangerous. To stay safe on the roads and protect other road users, you should follow these top tips:
Take regular breaks – this allows you to maintain concentration, which can improve your reaction time.
Secure your loads – to prevent accidents, loads should always be secured. You should also avoid overloading your HGV as this makes it less stable and can cause tyres to overheat and wear out.
Check and maintain your HGV – ensure your vehicle is roadworthy by conducting daily walkaround checks. Regular servicing and maintenance will keep your vehicle in optimal condition, reducing the risk of breakdowns and accidents.
Be prepared for emergencies – An emergency or breakdown could happen unexpectedly, so it's important to carry the right equipment and supplies. Find out more about the essential items for an HGV.
Be aware of blind spots - HGVs have significant blind spots, so you should also be cautious of any smaller vehicles or other road users that may be in these areas.
Adhering to regulatory requirements is essential for HGV drivers. It ensures safety, legality, and efficiency in your operations. Understanding and complying with these regulations not only helps avoid penalties but also contributes to road safety by reducing the risk of accidents.
Planning long-distance HGV journeys
Following HGV driving hours rules is particularly important when planning long-distance journeys. Drivers and fleet managers should consider:
Expected driving time.
Required breaks.
Daily and weekly rest.
Traffic and potential delays.
Fuel stops.
Vehicle checks.
Suitable overnight stopping locations.
Planning ahead can help drivers stay within their permitted driving hours while ensuring there is enough time for fuel stops, breaks, and rest. For drivers completing long-distance or overnight journeys, find out what tramping means for HGV drivers and what this type of work involves.
How fuel cards can help HGV drivers
Fuel is one of the highest ongoing costs for businesses operating HGVs, particularly when vehicles cover long distances. A fuel card can make it easier for drivers to pay for fuel while helping businesses monitor and manage fuel spending.
Depending on the fuel card, benefits can include:
Easier fuel payments.
Access to a wide network of fuel stations.
Simplified expense management.
Greater visibility of fuel spending.
Easier management of fuel costs across a fleet.
Find out more about the benefits of fuel cards for HGV drivers.
Frequently asked questions about HGV driving hours
How many hours can an HGV driver work in a day?
HGV driving hours and working hours are different. Under the relevant drivers' hours rules, an HGV driver can normally drive for up to 9 hours a day, increasing to 10 hours twice a week. Separate working-time regulations also apply to professional drivers.
How many hours can an HGV driver drive in a week?
An HGV driver can normally drive for a maximum of 56 hours in one week. There is also a maximum limit of 90 hours of driving over two consecutive weeks.
How long can an HGV driver drive without a break?
An HGV driver must not drive for more than 4.5 hours without taking a qualifying break. After this period, the driver must take at least 45 minutes of break time.
How long does an HGV licence last?
An HGV licence generally lasts for 5 years until the driver reaches 65. After age 65, it must be renewed annually, provided the relevant medical requirements are met.
What are the main HGV driving rules?
The main HGV driving rules cover daily and weekly driving limits, mandatory breaks, daily and weekly rest periods, working time and tachograph requirements. Drivers must follow the rules that apply to their vehicle and journey.
