EU/UK PSV Driving Hour Rules for Dummies (plus a clever app that's helping drivers stay legal!)

The driving hour rules and regulations can seem very daunting at first as they are a very complex matter. They also have to work in conjunction with working time limits such as the 6-hour rule etc.

The EU and UK have specific rules regarding the driving hours of professional drivers who operate passenger service vehicles (PSVs). These rules are in place to ensure the safety of both the drivers and passengers.

Double-manned duties and overseas trips are not included within this article, but we have tried to explain below in plain English a simple guide to the rules on one-off private hire trips.

In the EU & UK, PSV drivers cannot drive for more than 9 hours a day, and they must take a break of at least 45 minutes after 4.5 hours of driving.

This can be extended to 10 hours a day, twice a week as long as the rest is compensated and you do not exceed a total of 56 hours driving in any given week.

They are also required to take a daily rest period of at least 11 hours, which can be reduced to 9 hours but only three times in a week.

You cannot drive for more than 90 hours in any 2 consecutive weeks.

Drivers must take an unbroken rest period of 45 hours every week but this can be reduced to 24 hours every other week. Over a 4-week period, 2 of the weekly rest periods must still be of at least 45 hours.

It's important for PSV drivers to follow these rules to ensure they are well-rested and alert while operating their vehicles, which ultimately helps keep everyone on the road safe.

Drivers should try to keep a clear log of all of their activities and breaks so that they can easily identify what they need to do. There are now apps available to help drivers keep track.

Some useful apps for tracking driving hours

Although predominantly aimed at HGV drivers, some PSV drivers have recommended The Trucker Timer app. it is an advanced tachograph and driver log which is designed to keep you legal within the many complex rules of the EU driver’s hours’ regulations.

Some of the main features include the ability to accurately track your driving hours whilst alerting you of any impending fatigue warnings – pretty helpful!

At app supports EU, AETR and GB domestic heavy vehicle fatigue regulations and is available on both iOS and Android devices.

Alternatively, there is TachoGuard Lite which is more geared toward PSV drivers which can be downloaded through Google Play.

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