The UK requires all goods vehicles over 3.5 tonnes to install a digital tachograph vehicle unit. This law also applies to passenger vehicles that have more than nine seats. In either case, the vehicles first registered on or after May 2006 must have a tachograph unit installed.
In this article, we will have a detailed discussion on how to apply for tacho card.
The drivers of all vehicles that have a tachograph vehicle unit installed must use a personal digital tachograph driver card. The traffic commissioner can fine the drivers and owners and seize their licenses if they fail to follow the tachograph rules.
Before getting to know how to apply for digital tachograph card online, let us know about tacho cards first.
What Is A Tachograph?
Tachographs are mainly divided into two types: analogue and digital.
The analogue tachographs are not in much use these days but they do the same work as a digital tachograph.
The only difference is that a digital tachograph stores information in both the vehicle unit and the driver card.
Tachographs store information like the activity time of the driver, other work, breaks and rests, and so on. The tacho card allows the owners to protect the data recorded in the tachograph vehicle unit by locking it.
This step is essential to protect your personal information, the data of your vehicle, and drivers from competitors. The data protection system would be particularly important if you were to sell your vehicle or use a hired vehicle.
How Does The Tachograph Information Work?
In order to allow the system to work, you will have to lock in the data before operating the vehicle. You will also have to lock out the data once you have completed the use of the vehicle.
The tacho card also allows the owner to download all the data recorded in the vehicle unit. The owner then checks the downloaded data for driver hours and other information as required by the law.
It is essential to maintain the records as described in terms of your operator license issued by the Traffic Commissioner. Read this detailed guide on How to apply for an operators licence.
How To Apply For A Tacho Card?
Many people do not know how to apply for tacho card, but do not worry as we are here to help.
The digital tachograph driver card is a plastic card that is similar to a driving license, but has a microchip fitted in it. You will have to apply for tacho card before you start driving a vehicle that has a tachograph vehicle unit installed.
Apply for digi card and get a card that is valid for a period of five years. You can either apply for a digital tachograph card online or by post.
In order to apply for a tacho card, you will have to:
- Fill up a D777(NI) digital tachograph driver card form. You can collect this form from your nearest MOT test centre. Or you can email them at dva@infrastructure-ni.gov.uk for the form.
- Pay a tachograph fee of £32
- Add a colour passport size photograph with the form
- Send all of the information to DVLA
You can apply for a digital tachograph card online or by post for the following:
- To get your first digital tacho card if you like in the UK.
- To renew a tacho card if the expiring date is within 90 days.
- To report a stolen or lost tachograph card.
For the following, you can only apply by post:
- To replace a tacho card that is damaged or faulty
- To change your name and address on the tachograph card
- To get your first digital tacho card in the UK if you currently live outside the UK
- If you only have a paper driving license
How to pay for a digital tacho card?
- Do not post the application fee required to apply for tacho card in cash or blank postal order. The DVA will not take any responsibility in case the money goes missing.
- Make sure that the cheque or postal order is payable to DVA.
- Do not forget to date and sign your cheque and make sure whether you have written the right amount or not. The amount written in words on the cheque must match the amount of money written in figures. Remember not to post-date your cheque as the DVA cannot accept it.
- Write your full name, address, date of birth, and your driver’s number on the back of the payment.
- If you do not pay the right amount, then the DVA will return your application to you for the correct amount.
- You can also pay the fee to your nearest MOT test centres that accept cash, cheque, debit, and credit cards.
Malfunction Tacho Cards
If your tacho card is faulty or malfunctions, then you can apply and return the faulty card to the DVA. Before you apply for a tacho card and return the faulty one, check whether your card is not functioning properly. In order to check whether your tacho card is not functioning properly or not, you can:
- Refer to the manual of the tachograph vehicle unit to see that the displayed error is a card error.
- Try your tachograph card by inserting it into the tachograph vehicle unit of another vehicle.
When it comes to returning a malfunctioning card, you do not have to pay a fee normally. However, you will have to pay a £19 fee if your card is damaged or you do not send your card with the application. There is one thing you must do before you apply for a tacho card and return the card to the DVA. Make sure to download all the information from the card.
Renewing the Tacho Card
The DVA will send you a reminder to renew your card 90 days before the expiry date. You must apply for a renewal tacho card at least 15 days before the expiry date mentioned on your card.
You will not be able to lock in, lock out, or download the data of your tachograph card after the expiry card. There is no need to return the expired card to the DVA.
For more information on tachograph rules for drivers and operators read this guide on When Do I Need A Tachograph.
Final Words
Tachograph cards are essential if you want to operate or drive a goods vehicle in the UK. You must know how to apply for tacho card and everything associated with it to ensure that you follow the rules.
You may end up losing your license or count a hefty fine if you fail to follow the tachograph rules. If you need help with any type of transport consultation contact us. We are RWTCS— one of the leading transport consultancies in the UK.