Rules For Double Manning
When it comes to the world of tachographs, there's a term that often pops up - double manning. But what does it mean, and how does it affect the way we drive?
In this blog, we'll break it down into simple terms, so you can better understand this concept and how it applies to your driving duties.
When Is A Vehicle Double Manned?
So, when is a vehicle considered double manned?
A vehicle is considered double-manned when there are two drivers on board at any point during the journey, and both are ready and able to take the wheel. Each of them should also have a tachograph card. There's a catch, though - the first hour of this driving time is optional. This means that the second driver can join within an hour after the shift has started. Keep in mind that most of the tachograph rules apply to both drivers, except for the daily rest rules. When double-manned, each driver must have a daily rest period of 9 hours within a 30-hour period that starts after the last daily or weekly rest period has ended.
What Are The Rules For Double Manning?
What are the rules that apply when a vehicle is double manned? When a vehicle is double manned, the total driving time for the vehicle can be extended.
In the best-case scenario, the maximum driving time can be 20 hours before the drivers need a daily rest. However, for this to work, both drivers must be eligible to drive for 10 hours (the extended daily drive time).
So why do companies opt for double manning? It might seem like a way to keep a vehicle on the road for as long as possible, but it's not quite that simple. There are regulations in place, particularly the Working Time regulations, which can make things more complicated. These regulations state that unless the vehicle is parked at the operating center when the driver takes over, the time spent travelling to the vehicle must be logged as "Other Work," even if the journey involves travelling by car, train, or other means of transport.
Challenges of Double Manning
Another challenge with double manning is that while a work break (under Working Time regulations) or a driving break (under Drivers' Hours regulations) can be taken in a moving vehicle, a Daily Rest cannot. This means that even with double-manning, there will come a point when both drivers have to take a Daily Rest.
Lastly, it's important to note that for a vehicle to qualify as double manned, the co-driver must either be in the vehicle with the first driver at the start of the journey, or must be picked up within one hour of the journey's beginning if collected along the route. If this condition isn't met, the journey can't be driven under double-manned rules.
Advantages Of Double Manning
Many companies are confused by double manning and whether it can actually be beneficial for them. One way it can be used is with drivers who have just joined the company, it can be a great way to learn the ropes while not being "dead wood", with an extra driver, it opens up for almost 24/7 continuous running of a vehicle. Just watch out for the working time regulations and driving breaks.
Conclusion - Rules For Double Manning
Double manning might seem like a way to keep a vehicle going 24/7, but there are important regulations and limitations to consider. While it can extend driving time, there are restrictions on rest periods and specific requirements for co-driver pickup.
Understanding these rules is crucial for both drivers and companies to ensure safe and compliant operations.
