[Barnes84]

Hello,

Next year, me and the family will be driving a hired 17 seater (I’ll be driving and I hold a D licence and tacho card) across France etc into Germany which is the destination. I’ve been told that I will need to use my tacho to record driving time and break even though this isn’t hire and reward. I drive class 2 hgvs for a living so if that’s true I’m not sure what my company would say about this big min my tacho. Any help with information appreciated.

Mtia,

Tristan

[Santa]

I am not an expert.

AFAIK, you will have to stick to the same rules that apply to your HGV in respect of breaks and rest. The best way of demonstrating this would be to put your card in the tachograph.

You should also let your employer know what you plan to do and make sure that you comply with the 24 hours off duty rule every 2 weeks. I can't imagine that an employer would have any objection, so long as you comply with all the rules.

[TC1474]

@Barnes84

If you hold a D licence, then you can drive any bus or coach with more than 8 seats and a maximum all up weight of 7.5 tonnes. This in turn gives you the entitlement to drive D1vehicles which includes Minibuses

The D1 licence does not allow you to drive a minibus with more than 16 seats and more than 8 meters in length.

So if you hold the full D licence, you do not have an issue as far as the vehicle is concerned it also allows you to drive abroad.

You may be exempt from tachograph use if the vehicle is used for the company's or driver's own account and the international driving is not the main activity of the driver.

Hope that helps?

[Barnes84]

Yes it will literally be pick up the hire minibus, pick up the family and drive us all to Germany. There is no payment or reward it’s just a social trip.
I didn’t think you had to use a tacho if it’s not for financial gain? The only reason I’m doing all the driving is I’m the only one with the correct licence for the minibus.

Mtia.