HGV WTD & Break Planner
Review working time, qualifying WTD breaks, the 60-hour weekly ceiling, the 48-hour reference-period average and night-work limits without confusing working time with driving time.
Working time is more than driving
For mobile workers in scope of the Road Transport (Working Time) Regulations, working time can include driving, loading, unloading, vehicle checks, cleaning, paperwork and waiting where the duration is not known in advance. Breaks, rest and a genuine period of availability are treated differently.
Plan a shift and review the working-time position
Enter working time separately from breaks and POA. Use your records and company agreement when classifying activities.
Working-time rules reviewed
Break thresholds
More than 6 and up to 9 hours of working time requires at least 30 minutes. More than 9 hours requires at least 45 minutes. Each counted break period should last at least 15 minutes.
Weekly and average limits
A single week cannot exceed 60 hours. Weekly working time must average no more than 48 hours over the applicable 17- or 26-week reference period.
Night work
When night work is performed, working time is normally limited to 10 hours in 24 hours. A collective or workforce agreement may vary that limit.
WTD planner questions
Is POA the same as a break?
No. POA and breaks are separate classifications. POA generally requires the duration to be known in advance and the worker not to be required to remain at the workstation ready to resume normal work.
Does this planner check the 4.5-hour driving-break rule?
No. That is a drivers’ hours check. Use the separate HGV Drivers’ Hours Calculator and comply with both regimes.
Does a 26-week reference period apply automatically?
No. DVSA guidance says the normal period is 17 weeks and it can be extended to 26 weeks where a collective or workforce agreement permits it.