HGV Driving Hours: What You Need to Know

If you drive a heavy goods vehicle in the UK, the amount of time you spend behind the wheel is tightly controlled. Breaking the limits can mean fines, licence points, or even a ban. That’s why every HGV driver should understand the basic rules and keep a simple record of their hours.

Legal Limits and Rest Requirements

The law says you can drive up to 9 hours in a single day. Once a week you’re allowed to stretch that to 10 hours, but never more than two 10‑hour days in the same week. After any 4.5‑hour drive you must take at least a 45‑minute break – you can split it into two 15‑minute breaks if you prefer.

Weekly totals are capped at 56 hours, and over any two‑week period you can’t exceed 90 hours. If you hit the 56‑hour limit, you must take a 45‑hour rest before you can start a new week. These numbers sound strict, but they’re there to keep you safe and avoid driver fatigue.

How to Keep an Accurate Logbook

Most drivers use a digital tachograph, but you can also keep a paper log. Write down the start and finish times for every drive, the total hours, and any breaks you take. Check the entries at the end of each day – a quick review catches mistakes before they become a problem.

When you’re on the road, set a reminder on your phone for the 4.5‑hour mark. A simple buzz will prompt you to stop, stretch, and record the break. If you’re using an app, many of them will auto‑fill the data from the tachograph, so you only need to verify it.

Don’t wait until the end of the month to fill out your log. Small gaps add up, and you might miss a break you forgot about. A habit of updating the log right after each shift keeps everything straight and saves you from headaches during inspections.

Inspections happen randomly, and officers will check your log against the tachograph data. If the numbers don’t match, you could face a fine of up to £2,500 for each breach. That’s why accuracy matters more than you think.

Planning your routes also helps you stay within the limits. If a delivery looks like it will push you over the daily cap, talk to your dispatcher early and split the job into two days. It’s easier to adjust the plan than to risk a penalty later.

Remember, the rest periods are not just paperwork – they’re built‑in safety breaks. A short nap or a walk can dramatically improve your alertness and reduce the chance of an accident.

If you’re new to HGV driving, ask your employer for a quick briefing on their specific logging system. Most companies have a template they expect you to fill, and they’ll train you on how to use the tachograph correctly.

Staying within the HGV driving hours limits may feel like an extra step, but it protects you, your cargo, and everyone on the road. Keep the log simple, take your breaks, and you’ll drive with confidence and compliance.