How long is a tachograph driver card valid?

Drivers of vehicles fitted with a digital or smart tachograph that fall under the drivers’ hours rules, typically goods vehicles over 3.5 tonnes and most passenger vehicles with more than eight passenger seats. A driver who has not been issued a card is not permitted to drive a vehicle with a digital or smart tachograph.

• A driver cannot drive a vehicle in scope of the drivers’ hours rules once the card has expired, and manual records are not allowed if the card has simply been forgotten.
• The expired card can still be used to display, print or download data, so keep it until the new card has arrived and your records are downloaded.
• Operators still have to download driver cards at least every 28 days, so a card swap needs a final download.

1. 1

   Watch for the DVLA reminder

   DVLA sends a reminder and renewal form about 12 weeks before the card expires. Keep the driver’s address up to date.

2. 2

   Apply at least 15 working days before expiry

   Send the form and fee in time so the new card arrives before the old one runs out.

3. 3

   Keep using the old card until it expires

   Do not send the current card back with the application.

4. 4

   Download the old card and keep it safe

   Make a final download for your records and keep the expired card in case it is needed at a check.

A simple reminder plan: 90 days, 60 days, 30 days, 15 days before the expiry date. The calculator above puts these in your calendar.

• Card number and expiry date per driver.
• The date the renewal application was sent.
• Driver card downloads at least every 28 days.

• Relying on the driver to notice the reminder letter.
• Applying in the last two weeks and losing driving days while waiting.
• Returning the old card with the application.