What To Do About A Lost Tacho Card?

Introduction - What To Do About A Lost Tacho Card?

Lost your tacho card? You can still drive without a tacho card, but only for 15 days, and you must apply for a replacement within 7 days of losing the card. Unsure about what you should do next? Read on to find out.

What Should I Do If I Lost My Driver Card?

Don't panic! It's not as bad as it sounds. As mentioned, you can continue to drive, you won't be the first driver to lose your Driver Card, but you'll have to take some extra measures.

The first thing you should do is immediately call the DVLA to notify them that you've lost your card.
You can reach them on 0300 790 6109 (Monday to Friday, 8:00am to 7:00pm).

After informing the DVLA, you should contact your manager and get a confirmation from them that you can continue to drive, as they might not want you to, even though you are technically allowed.

Lost Tacho Card: Can I Still Drive Without My Card?

Yes, you can still drive without your tacho card, but only for 15 days. During this time, you must take tachograph print-outs at the start and end of every driving period. These must be signed, and you also need to write your driving licence number on them. You should also keep a clear note of the times for your Break, Rest, and any Other Work performed, as if you were making a manual entry.

These will be used to prove you haven't committed any driving or working time infringements should you get stopped by the DVSA, and your supervisor/manager/boss should want to see them too.

Drivers are legally obliged to keep 28 days' worth of tachograph records on them, for use in the event of inspections by law enforcement. This applies whether or not you have forgotten your Driver Card, so be sure to stay 100% on top of your activity notes!

Lost Tacho Card: How Can I Replace My Lost Tacho card?

You can apply online for a new Driver Card on the gov.uk website - it's a simple process. All you need is your driving licence, and £19 to cover the replacement fee. The replacement will be posted out to the address on the driving licence. If you no longer live at the address on your driving licence, you'll have to get a new licence first.

How Long Does a Replacement Tacho Card Take?

A replacement tachograph driver card will be sent to your home address. These are usually issued within 8 working days of the application being made. This is why it is important to inform the DVLA immediately if your card is lost.

Summary: Lost Tacho Card

If you've lost your tacho card, you can keep driving, but you must inform your manager, as well as the DVSA. You may only drive for 15 days following losing the card, and you must take tachograph print-outs at the start and end of every period of driving. You must sign these, and write your driving licence number on each one.

Further Reading: What To Do About A Lost Tacho Card?

If you've found our post, "What To Do About A Lost Tacho Card?" useful, you may find the articles below helpful as well.
- What are the tacho rules for ferry crossings?
- What's the fine for driving without a tacho card?
- Applying for a Driver Card for other reasons