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Digital tachograph driver card
The driver card used in a digital or smart tachograph to record duties.
This is general information for UK goods-vehicle operators. It is not legal advice. Use the official source on this page, and your operator licence conditions, before you rely on it.
What it is
A driver who drives a vehicle in scope of the assimilated or AETR drivers’ hours rules, fitted with a digital or smart tachograph, must use their own driver card. The card records driving, work, availability and rest. It is personal to the driver. Lost, stolen or faulty cards have a set process, including printouts, which GOV.UK describes. The card is not a driving licence and does not replace Driver CPC.
Who holds it
The driver holds and uses the card. The operator downloads the data from it. GOV.UK states that operators must download driver-card data at least every 28 days, and sooner if the driver leaves or the card is damaged.
At a visit
The driver must be able to produce the card at the roadside. Using someone else’s card, or driving in scope with no card and no valid printout process, is a tachograph offence.
How long to keep it
Download driver-card data at least every 28 days. Operators must keep drivers’ hours records for at least 12 months. Both points are set out in GOV.UK goods-vehicle drivers’ hours guidance and the goods vehicle operator licensing guide.