Drivers' hours rules: the basics

Introduction

If you drive a lorry, van, bus or a coach, it is likely that you will need to follow rules on the number of hours you can drive in a day, week or other period. These rules also cover the breaks you will need to take from driving, and daily and weekly rest periods.

Research has shown that up to one in six of all serious crashes are caused by drivers falling asleep at the wheel. The aim of the drivers' hours rules is to help you drive safely, and to reduce the risk of injuring yourself and other road users.

This guide aimed at drivers of goods vehicles and passenger-carrying vehicles travelling within the UK and abroad. It explains the different drivers' hours rules that may affect you, depending on what type of vehicle you are driving, what you are using it for, and where you are travelling.

Subjects covered in this guide

• Introduction
• The different sets of drivers' hours rules, and when they apply
• Drivers' hours rules that apply to goods vehicles
• Drivers' hours rules that apply to passenger carrying vehicles
• European Union rules on drivers' hours
• AETR rules on drivers' hours
• GB domestic rules on drivers' hours
• Driving under more than one set of drivers' hours rules
• How working time regulations affect you as a driver under EU drivers' hours rules
• How working time regulations affect you as a driver under GB drivers' hours rules or as an occasional mobile worker
• How drivers' hours rules are enforced

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