All types of heavy goods vehicles (HGV) that weigh over 3.5 tonnes must install a digital tachograph unit. Installations of such units are mandatory, according to the UK’s law; which also mentions that it applies to any passenger that can accommodate more than nine people.
The law also requires any heavy goods vehicle as well as a passenger vehicle, that was either registered on or after May 2006, to have a tachograph unit.
Unfortunately, not everyone knows how to get one. In this blog, we’ll see how to get a digital tachograph card. Remember that, drivers must all use a digital tachograph driver card so that everyone stays compliant.
What happens if you do not have a tacho card?
If you are the driver and get caught driving without a tachograph card, then you can lose your licence. Additionally, owners can get fined and have their vehicles seized if the tachograph unit is not installed. We know一 it couldn’t get any worse than this. That’s why it’s important to know the rules.
Read this guide to learn more about Tachograph Rules for Drivers and Operators.
How to get a digital tachograph card, and how long does it take to get a digital tachograph card must seem all too confusing
So, before we get into the details of how to get a digital tacho card, let us know a bit about the tacho card first.
There are mainly two versions of a tachograph driver card: analogue and digital. While the analogue tacho card is not in much use these days, it works exactly like a digital tacho card.
However, there is one noticeable difference between an Analogue Tachograph and a Digital Tachograph: the digital tachograph stores information in both the tachograph card and vehicle unit, whereas the other only stores information in the vehicle unit.
What Does A Tachograph Do?
A tachograph driver card stores information within the card and the vehicle itself. What kind of information does it store, you ask? Anything and everything related to driving: the amount of time the driver actually worked, how much the speed was, how long he took a break, etc.
You(assuming you’re the owner) can download such data from a dedicated app from the tachograph driver card. Most, nay all, owners have to download this data at some point so that they can show the government that their transport company has been following all the rules.
As such, the owner will have to maintain records as per the tachograph vehicle regulations issued by the Traffic Commissioner.
How To Get A Digital Tacho Card?
It goes without saying that to get one, you have to apply for it in the first place. Appearance-wise, the card looks similar to that of a driving license, except there is a microchip.
Here are some steps you can follow to get a digital tachograph driver card:
- Collect a D777(NI) digital tachograph driver card form from the MOT test centre nearest to you and fill out the form.
- Pay a £32 digital tachograph card fee.
- Attach a passport size photograph along with the form.
- Send the form and all other necessary information to the DVLA.
How Long Does It Take To Get A Digital Tachograph Card?
A common concern amongst owners is the question of how long it will take. Usually, this time frame is decided by the type of tacho card you apply for.
One of the fun parts of applying is that you don’t have to move anywhere to collect your digital tachograph driver card because it will be delivered at your doorsteps.
Generally, if you are applying for the first time or renewing it, then it will take about 15 days for DVLA to process it. However, keep in mind that the 15 days start when the DVLA authorities receive it. The wait might be long for first-timers, but for those who are applying to replace their cards, you only have to wait for 5 days!
You can either apply for a digital tacho card online or send your application via post. You can apply via both online and post in order to:
- Get a digital tachograph driver card for the first time if you are residing in the UKRenew a digital tacho card if the expiry date of the card is within 90 days.
- File a report in case you lost your tacho card or it got stolen.
You are only eligible to apply via post in order to:
- Replace a damaged or malfunctioning digital tacho card
- Change your present address or any other info on the card
- Get a digital tachograph driver card for the first time inside the UK if you are currently residing outside the UK.
- Get a digital tacho card if you only have access to a paper driving licence.
How To Pay The Fee For A Digital Tacho Card?
Nothing is free, and the digital tachograph driver card isn’t either. You have to pay a certain amount. However, there are certain rules regarding the payment fees:
- The DVLA will not take any sort of responsibility if the fee goes missing, so do not send the fee in cash or blank postal order.
- Make sure that the fee is payable to the DVA Coleraine
- Make sure that you put the date and sign the cheque. Check whether you have written the proper fee amount in both figures and words or not.
- Do not forget to write down your name, address, and licence number on the back of the cheque.
- Your application will be returned by the DVLA if you do not pay the correct amount.
- You can also pay the MOT centre nearest to you via cash, cheque, debit, or credit card.
Final Words
You need a digital tachograph driver card if you want to operate an HGV or big passenger vehicle in the UK. Now that you have some idea of how to get a digital tachograph card, we hope that you follow the rules so good luck!
If you are still confused as to how you can do this, you can contact us for advice and if you work with us, you can get your digital tachograph card in no time.