What is a digital tachograph card?
There are 4 main types of digital tachograph card, each with different functions:
Driver Card
- These are used by drivers of vehicles with digital tachographs, to store data recorded by the tachograph. It's illegal to drive HGVs, and many other vehicles, in the UK without a driver card inserted into the tachograph head.
Company Card
- These are used by business owners, managers, and/or administrators to manage, protect, and oversee data downloaded from the driver cards.
Workshop Card
- These cards are used by certified workshops and their staff, and are used to calibrate and test tachograph units when performing maintenance on vehicles. These are free to apply for, and automatically renew yearly. Simply fill this form out, and post to the DVSA in Swansea to apply.
Control Card
- Control Cards are used by law enforcement to take tachograph readings from vehicles on-the-go.
How long are digital tachograph cards valid for?
Digital tachograph cards are valid for 5 years, from the date of issue. This goes for both Driver Cards and Company Cards.
How To Apply For A Digital Tachograph Card
Depending on the reason you're applying, you'll have to apply by post or online.
Applying Online:
- You can apply online if you're getting your first GB driver digital tachograph card and currently live in England, Scotland, or Wales. However, keep in mind that this online application is not suitable if you're exchanging a foreign tachograph card. In that case, you'll need to apply by post instead.
- Online application is also available for renewing your card if it's expiring within 90 days, or if you need to replace a lost or stolen card.
Applying By Post
You must apply by post for the following situations:
- To replace a damaged or faulty card.
- To change the name or address on your card.
- To get your first GB driver digital tachograph card if you currently live outside Great Britain.
- If you have a paper driving licence.
Also, if you have to change an EU, EEA, or Northern Ireland tachograph card to a GB tachograph card, you must have lived in the UK for more than 6 months in the past year, and the application must be submitted by post. For more information on applying for a Driver Card, you can view the Government advice here.
Summary: Digital Tachograph Cards
In summary, digital tachograph cards are a legal requirement for many people in the transport industry, as they are used to download, store, and manage tachograph data. Applying for a card is fairly simple, once you've worked out whether you need to apply by post, or online.
Further Reading
If you've found our post about digital tachograph cards useful, these pages might be helpful too!
- A list of Drivers' and Operators' responsibilities
- Why is tachograph analysis so important?
- Our guide to tachograph infringements
