Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is a digital tachograph driver card?

The digital tachograph 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 on digital driver card software. The digital driver card remains in the driver’s possession and can be used with all approved digital tachographs.

What data is stored on the digital tachograph driver card?

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

•  Identification of the vehicles used
• Activities (driving, working, availability and rest times)
• Crew status (1 or 2 driver operation)
• Date and time of the digital driver card being inserted and withdrawn
• 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

What happens when my digital tachograph driver card or mass memory is full?

The driver card software 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 in your digital tachograph driver card software to comply with EU social regulations.

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

Yes, the stored data can be viewed on the DTCO display and printed using an integrated printer. VDO offers digital tachograph driver card software solutions, e.g. Downloadterminal DLTII or TIS-Web®. With these, data stored on the driver card can be downloaded and evaluated.

Who can apply for a digital tachograph driver card?

All drivers who are subject to Regulation (EEC) No. 3820/85 may apply for a digital tachograph driver card. The authorities in the member states are responsible for the driver card application process.

How do I get my digital tachograph driver card?

Digital tachograph driver cards will be issued on application by the relevant authorities in EU member states.

Do digital tachograph driver cards have unlimited validity?

No, the EU has decided that digital tachograph driver cards will no longer be valid – and must be replaced – after 5 years (maximum).

Can I have more than one digital tachograph driver card?

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

What happens if my digital tachograph driver card is faulty or lost?

Drivers must apply to the appropriate authorities for a replacement digital tachograph driver card within seven calendar days of their driver card malfunctioning or being damaged, lost or stolen. A replacement digital driver card will then be issued within five working days of receiving a valid application. In the meantime the driver must print out the 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 digital tachograph driver card for more than 15 calendar days.

Will the control authorities know if I am driving with an invalid digital tachograph driver card?

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

What does a digital tachograph driver card cost?

The issuing authorities in the member states determine prices for digital tachograph driver cards.

Does the digital tachograph driver card replace a driving licence?

No, driving licences and digital tachograph driver cards are separate documents.

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

Yes, depending on national legislation, regular driver card software data downloads and archiving are mandatory.

When must drivers make a printout?

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

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 the digital tachograph driver card software with the date and time.

How are roadside checks carried out ?

A roadside check of any driver on public roads can be made by police officers – anytime, anywhere and event-independent. To assist in this, the EU has introduced its own control card, separate from the digital tachograph driver card.