HGV Driver Hours Calculator — UK Driving Time, Breaks & Rest Rules
The HGV Driver Hours Calculator helps UK lorry, LGV and PCV drivers plan their driving time, breaks and rest periods according to EU Drivers’ Hours Rules and the Working Time Directive (WTD). This tool is designed for new and experienced drivers who want to stay compliant, avoid fines, prevent fatigue and understand exactly how many hours they can drive legally in a day or week. With this complete guide, you will learn how to calculate driving limits, break requirements, daily rest, weekly rest and WTD working time — all in one place.
Under EU Drivers’ Hours Rules, an HGV driver can drive a maximum of 9 hours per day. This can be increased to 10 hours twice per week. The HGV Driver Hours Calculator helps you track your daily driving time and alerts you when you are approaching your limit. Staying within these limits prevents fatigue and ensures full DVSA compliance.
After 4 hours 30 minutes of driving, you must take a break of at least 45 minutes. This can be split into 15 minutes + 30 minutes. The calculator helps you plan your breaks so you never exceed the 4.5‑hour limit. Proper break planning reduces fatigue and improves road safety.
Drivers must take a minimum daily rest of 11 hours. This can be reduced to 9 hours up to three times per week. The HGV Driver Hours Calculator helps you plan reduced and regular rest periods so you always remain compliant with DVSA and EU regulations.
Weekly driving is limited to 56 hours, and the maximum for any two consecutive weeks is 90 hours. The calculator tracks your weekly totals and ensures you never exceed the legal limits. This helps prevent penalties and ensures safe working patterns.
Working Time Directive (WTD) — 48 Hour Average
The Working Time Directive applies to all mobile workers, including HGV drivers. It limits the average working week to 48 hours over a 17‑week reference period. The maximum working time in any single week is 60 hours, as long as the 48‑hour average is maintained. The HGV Driver Hours Calculator helps you track driving time, other work, POA and breaks to ensure full WTD compliance.
GB Domestic Rules (Optional Mode)
Some drivers operate under GB Domestic Rules instead of EU Rules. These include a maximum duty time of 11 hours and a 30‑minute break after 5.5 hours of duty. The calculator can switch between EU and GB modes to give accurate results based on your vehicle type and operation.
Who Should Use This HGV Driver Hours Calculator?
This tool is designed for new HGV drivers, experienced professionals, transport managers, operators and anyone who needs to understand UK driving hours rules. Whether you are preparing for your CPC exams or planning your daily schedule, this calculator helps you stay compliant, avoid fines and work safely.
Useful Resources
Official DVSA guidance: GOV.UK — Drivers’ Hours Rules
More HGV training support: HGV Driver Training UK · CPC Practice Test UK
HGV Driver Hours Calculator
UK Drivers Hours Rules — check your compliance instantly