PENNINE DISTRIBUTION LTD

Drive break requirements (DT3)


What is a break?

• A break is any period during which a driver may not carry out any driving or any other work and which is used exclusively for recuperation.

Can a break be taken in a moving vehicle?

• A break may be taken in a moving vehicle, provided no other work is undertaken.

When is a break required?

• After a driving period of no more than 4.5 hours, a driver must immediately take a break of at least 45 minutes unless he takes a rest period. A break taken in this way must not be interrupted.

Can the break be split?

• Yes. A full 45-minute break can be replaced by one break of at least 15 minutes followed by another break of at least 30 minutes. These breaks must be distributed over the 4.5-hour period.

What happens after you have taken your 45 minute break?

• A driver ‘wipes the slate clean’ if he takes a 45-minute break (or qualifying breaks totalling 45 minutes) before or at the end of a 4.5-hour driving period. This means that the next 4.5-hour driving period begins with the completion of that qualifying break,

What are the penalties for failing to take the required breaks?

• Being on duty for up to 1 hour beyond the required break - £60 on the spot fine
• Being on duty for more than 1 hour but less than 2 hours beyond the required break - £120 on the spot fine
• Being on duty for more than 2 hours beyond the required break -£200 fine
• Repeat offences may attract larger penalties and possible licence restrictions


What legal action could be taken against you if you fail to take the required breaks?

a You could be fined
b Your licence could be awarded penalty points
c Your vocational licence could be revoked
d You could be sent to prison

2 Driver breaks are

a Optional
b A legal requirement
c A nuisance

3 When should a driver take his break?

a When he gets chance
b When he is hungry
c Before 4.5 hours driving
d Before 4 hours driving

4 What is the minimum amount of time a driver should take a break?

a As long as it takes to eat your lunch
b As long as it takes to feel refreshed
c A minimum of 45 minutes for every 4.5 hours driving
d A minimum of 30 minutes for every 4 hours driving

5 Can a break be split?

a Yes. Into as many parts as possible as long as it totals 45 minutes
b No. Never
c Yes. A 30 minute break first followed by a 15 minute is fine
d Yes. A fifteen minute break followed by a 30 minute break before the completion of 4.5 hours driving


Driver Name…………………………………………..

Signature………………………………………………

Score……………………………………………………

I DECLARE THAT I HAVE RECEIVED AND UNDERSTOOD THE INSTRUCTIONS ABOVE