The compliance kit for training drivers of 3.5-metric-ton vehicles on the use of the tachograph is a practical document designed to provide evidence of training in the event of an inspection or audit. It includes an individual training record, a multiple-choice assessment test, and the internal procedure for driver training, providing the company with clear proof that its obligations regarding information, verification, and documentation have been fulfilled.
In short, the 3.5-ton tachograph training kit includes:
- Individual training record for each driver operating vehicles weighing up to 3.5 tons equipped with a tachograph.
- Employer information, driver information, job title, driver's license, and employment contract number.
- Training topics related to Regulation (EC) No. 561/2006 and Regulation (EU) No. 165/2014.
- Training on tachograph modes: driving, other activities, availability, and rest.
- Explanations regarding manual entries, exception handling, and behavior during audits.
- A statement signed by the driver confirming that he has been trained and understands his legal obligations.
- Multiple-choice assessment test with questions about driving times, breaks, rest periods, the driver's card, and the operator's responsibilities.
- Internal Procedure Regarding the Organization of Training and the Responsibilities of the Employer, the Instructor, and the Driver.
- Frequency of training: upon hiring, annually, when laws change, or following identified violations.
- Retain documents in the driver’s individual file for at least 2 years, in either physical or electronic format.
This document contains: (1) the individual training record, (2) the multiple-choice assessment test, and (3) the internal procedure for driver training. It is a comprehensive kit, useful for inspections and audits.
1. DRIVER TRAINING MANUAL – USING THE TACHOGRAPH
(Key document for inspection)
EMPLOYER: ………………………………………………………..
To: ……………………………………………………………..
Headquarters: ……………………………………………………………
DRIVER INFORMATION
First and last name: …………………………………………………..
Personal Identification Number: ……………………………………………………………..
Position: Driver of a vehicle weighing ≤3.5 tons
Driver's license: Class B / BE
Employment contract number: ……………………………………………
TRAINING TOPICS
The driver has been trained on:
✔ Regulation (EC) No. 561/2006 – driving and rest periods
✔ Regulation (EU) No. 165/2014 – use of the digital tachograph
✔ Proper use of the tachograph:
• operating modes (Driving / Other Work / Availability / Rest)
• Manual entries (manual entry)
• Handling exceptional situations
✔ Behavior during roadside inspections
✔ Responsibilities of the driver and the transport operator
The driver was provided with the Pocket Manual – Tachograph 3.5 t.
STATEMENT
I, the undersigned, hereby declare that:
• I have been trained in the proper use of the tachograph;
• I understand my legal obligations;
• I undertake to comply with the instructions received.
Date of training: ………………….
Duration of training: …….. hours
Trained (Driver) Instructor
Name + signature Name + signature
📌 Retention: Driver's individual file – minimum 2 years
📌 Note: Document accepted as proof of training during inspections
2. MULTIPLE-CHOICE TEST – USE OF THE TACHOGRAPH (3.5 t)
(Recommended – highly rated in the review)
Driver's name: ………………………………………………………..
Date: ……………………………………………………………..
Check the correct answer (there is only one correct answer):
1. What is the maximum daily driving time?
☐ 8 hours
☐ 9 hours
☐ 10 hours
☐ 12 hours
2. How many times a week can you drive for 10 hours?
☐ Once
☐ Twice
☐ Three times
☐ Anytime
3. After how many hours of driving is a 45-minute break required?
☐ 4 hours
☐ 4:30
☐ 5 hours
☐ 6 hours
4. Can the 45-minute break be split up?
☐ No
☐ Yes, in 30 + 15
☐ Yes, in 15 + 30
☐ Yes, anyway
5. What does “Other Work” mean?
☐ Pause
☐ Rest
☐ Loading / paperwork / inspections
☐ Driven
6. Waiting at the loading dock without performing any active work is:
☐ Pause
☐ Availability
☐ Other Work
☐ Daily rest
7. The normal daily rest period is:
☐ 9 hours
☐ 10 hours
☐ 11 hours
☐ 12 hours
8. Reduced daily rest is:
☐ 8 hours
☐ 9 hours
☐ 10 hours
☐ 11 hours
9. How many times can the daily rest period be reduced?
☐ 1 time
☐ 2 times
☐ 3 times
☐ No matter how much
10. What should you do if you lose your driver's license?
☐ Continue without any issues
☐ Advertise your business and print materials
☐ You wait for the card without driving
☐ Use a different card
11. How long can you drive without a card (legally)?
☐ 5 days
☐ 10 days
☐ 15 days
☐ You are not allowed at all
12. What is the maximum number of hours you can drive in a week?
☐ 50
☐ 54
☐ 56
☐ 60
13. What is the maximum number of hours over two consecutive weeks?
☐ 80
☐ 85
☐ 90
☐ 100
14. Does the tachograph limit speed?
☐ Yes
☐ No
15. Who is responsible for ensuring that the business is legally compliant?
☐ The driver
☐ Dispatcher
☐ Company (transport operator)
☐ Customer
Score: …… / 15
Result: APPROVED / REJECTED
Driver's signature: ………………………………………
Instructor's signature: ………………………………….
3. INTERNAL PROCEDURE – TRAINING DRIVERS ON THE TACHOGRAPH
(System document – very important)
3.1. Purpose
This procedure establishes the guidelines for training drivers on:
• the proper use of the tachograph;
• compliance with driving and rest periods;
• the legal obligations of the operator and the drivers.
3.2. Scope
This procedure applies to all drivers operating:
• motor vehicles ≤3.5 t;
• in international transport and/or cabotage;
• equipped with a digital tachograph.
3.3. Responsibilities
• Employer: organizes and documents the training;
• Designated instructor: conducts the training;
• Driver: follows the instructions received.
3.4. Training Content
The training covers at least the following:
• Regulations 561/2006 and 165/2014;
• tachograph modes;
• manual entries;
• driving times, breaks, and rest periods;
• procedures in case of malfunctions;
• conduct during inspections.
3.5. Frequency
Training is provided:
• upon hiring;
• annually;
• whenever there are changes in the law;
• following identified violations.
3.6. Output Documents
Documents produced:
• signed training sheet;
• assessment test;
• pocket guide.
3.7. Archiving
The documents must be kept:
• in the driver’s file;
• for at least 2 years;
• in physical or electronic format.
Conclusion for the audit
✔ The company has fulfilled its training obligation.
✔ Drivers have been informed and screened.
✔ There is a system in place; nothing is left to chance.
This is exactly the approach sought by the regulatory authorities.
— End of document —
Frequently Asked Questions
Founder and CEO of Paneuropa Logistics
I am György Bokor, Founder and CEO of Paneuropa Logistics. I have been active in the logistics industry for more than 20 years, focusing on international transportation, freight forwarding, last-mile deliveries and customs services. I am passionate about developing efficient solutions that connect businesses across Europe.