Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Drivers

What is a driver card?

The driver card is a personal smart card for digital tachographs on which all relevant driver data required for EU social regulations (driving and rest times) is stored. The card remains in the driver’s possession and can be used in all approved digital tachographs.

Drivers

What data is stored on the driver card?

The driver card stores information that enables the driver to be uniquely identified. In addition the following activity data is stored for the last 28 working days (assuming an average number of events):

- Identification of the vehicles used

- Activities (driving, working, availability and rest times)

- Crew status (1 or 2 driver operation)

- Date and time of the driver card being inserted and withdrawn again

- Place where the working days began and ended

- Total distance

- Identification of the control official and date/time of last control

- Tachograph events and faults

Drivers

What happens when my driver card data memory or the mass memory is full?

The data memory operates on a rolling system in which the latest data automatically overwrites the oldest stored data. This ensures that the latest relevant data is stored to comply with the EU social regulations.

Drivers

Can I display, print out or download the information stored on the driver card?

Yes, the stored data can be viewed on the DTCO display and printed out using an integrated printer. We plan also to offer software solutions to download and evaluate the stored data.

Drivers

Who can apply for a driver card?

All drivers who are subject to Regulation (EEC) No. 3820/85. The authorities in the member states are currently in the process of defining the precise application requirements.

Drivers

How do I get my driver card?

Driver cards will be issued on application by the relevant authorities in EU member states.

Drivers

Do driver cards have unlimited validity?

No, the EU has decided that cards will no longer be valid after a maximum of 5 years and must then be replaced.

Drivers

Can I have more than one driver card?

No, the authorities in member states must ensure that each driver holds only one valid driver card.

Drivers

What happens if my driver card is faulty or lost?

Drivers must apply to the appropriate authorities for a replacement card within 7 calendar days of their driver card malfunctioning or being damaged, lost or stolen. The issuing authority will then issue a replacement card within five working days of receiving a valid application. In the meantime the driver must print out the data on their driving and rest times recorded on the DTCO at the end of each journey, add their personal details and sign it. Drivers may not drive without a valid driver card for more than 15 calendar days.

Drivers

Can the control authorities find out if I am driving with an invalid driver card?

Yes, the authorities will keep a file of all valid and invalid driver cards. Using a card that has been notified as faulty, lost or stolen can therefore be detected.

Drivers

What will a driver card cost?

The issuing authorities in the member states will determine prices.

Drivers

Does the driver card replace a driving licence?

No, driving licences and driver cards are separate documents.

Drivers

Must the data on driver cards or in the mass memory be backed up regularly?

Yes, depending on the national legislation regular data downloads and archiving are mandatory.

Drivers

When must drivers make a printout?

Where drivers are alternately using vehicles with analogue (diagram chart tachographs) and digital tachographs, a printout must be made when the driver changes vehicles. When driving without a driver card, e.g. due to loss, theft or a fault, a printout must be made and signed at the end of the journey. In this case the driver must obtain a new driver card within a defined period.

Drivers

How do I prove to my boss that I had to stop because of a roadside check?

The roadside check will be recorded in the mass memory and on the driver card with the date and time.

Drivers

How will roadside checks be carried out in future?

Discussions are currently under way regarding the form that inspections by control officials will take, and the equipment that will be used to check compliance with EU social regulations.