Driver Regulations In The Uk For Hgv Vehicles
There are regulations for drivers of heavy good vehicles (HGV) which are often used for same day delivery, are not the same as those of the normal vehicles. In the UK a driver who does not abide by such rules and regulations can be penalised or the company he or she is working for can be made to pay that penalty. Some of those regulations include:
The Driver Must Have A HGV Licence
Just because you have a normal licence does not mean that you are licensed to drive HGV vehicles. You have to go for an official HGV licence so that you can drive such a vehicle. The licences come in two forms depending on the maximum weight the vehicle can carry. Those licences include the N2 and the N3, where the N2 is for those vehicles that can carry a maximum of 12 tonnes and a minimum of 3.5 tonnes. For the latter, the maximum allowed mass is beyond 12 tonnes.
Keep Up To Date With The Road Regulations
Different road rules and regulations will change now and then. Also, the road signs are subject to change which means that you have to refresh what you already know. A good driver should ensure that they have this in check as it will help you to carry out your operations with ease. You thus have to keep updating yourself on the rules and signs on the road to stay abreast with what is happening on the road.
Annual Vehicle Testing For Roadworthy
You have to take the trucks for check-up and testing to see if they are roadworthy. It is an annual testing process that aims to make sure that roadworthy vehicles are on the road and those which do not pass the test do not make their way on the road. As a driver, you have to provide proof of this when the need arises.
You Should Only Drive For Up To 10 Hours Daily
It is the maximum number of hours which you are allowed to drive. Driving such heavy vehicles for long distance can take a toll on your body. Your body needs to rest and thus you should not drive for too long beyond the set limit. Driving for a long time can lead to accidents and violation of such a regulation can lead to hefty penalties or failure for the insurance company to compensate for the risks if they occur.
You Should Take Breaks Within Driving Hours
The regulations for drivers of HGV vehicles do not specify when or after how long you should take the breaks. In that case, it can be cumulative. However, if you are driving 9 hours a day, then you should take about 45 minutes break in that day. For example, after driving for 4 or 5 hours, you can take 45 minutes break before you proceed to drive for another 4 or 5 hours. Also, you can choose to drive for 2 hours and rest for 15 minutes, take over again and drive for 3 hours, take a 20-minute break and 10 minutes break in 2 hours' drive. Provided that all these breaks add up to 45 minutes for a 9-hour drive, you will be in line with the driver regulations for HGV.