What are the maximum working hours for an HGV driver in the UK?

HGV drivers in the UK must adhere to the Working Time Directive. This regulation states that a driver cannot work more than 60 hours in any single week, which includes driving and other duties like loading or maintenance. Additionally, drivers must not exceed an average of 48 hours per week over a typical 17-week reference period.

How long can an HGV driver continuously drive before needing a break?

After driving for 4.5 hours, an HGV driver is required to take an uninterrupted break of at least 45 minutes. This mandatory break can be split into two parts: an initial break of at least 15 minutes, followed by a second break of at least 30 minutes, both taken within the 4.5-hour driving period. These breaks are crucial to prevent driver fatigue and ensure road safety.

What are the daily and weekly driving limits for HGV drivers under EU regulations?

Under EU driving hours regulations, HGV drivers are limited to a maximum of 9 hours of driving in a day, which can be extended to 10 hours twice a week. The weekly driving limit is 56 hours, and drivers must not exceed 90 hours of driving over any two consecutive weeks. These rules complement the Working Time Directive to ensure adequate rest and safety.

Hgv Driver Training

How Many Hours a Week Will an HGV Driver Operate?

4 August 20250 min readGS Driver TrainingUpdated: 24 April 2026

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