'Double Manning' is a useful rule that allows Drivers to stay on the road for longer than they would otherwise. This blog will break down how Double Manning works, and when to use it.
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When Is A Vehicle Double Manned?
A vehicle is considered double-manned when there are two drivers on board either at the start of, or within the first hour of the journey, and both are ready and able to take the wheel. Each of them must also have their Driver Card, which must be inserted into the appropriate slot on the tachograph (1 for the Driver, 2 for the Passenger) at the earliest opportunity.
Keep in mind that tachograph rules still apply to both drivers. When double-manned, each driver requires daily rest period of 9 hours within a 30-hour period that starts after the last daily or weekly rest period has ended.
What Are The Rules For Double Manning?
Pick-up within the first hour
For a vehicle to qualify as double manned, the co-driver must either be in the vehicle with the first driver at the start of the journey, or must be picked up within one hour of the journey's beginning if collected along the route. If this condition isn't met, the journey can't be driven under double-manned rules.
Break & Rest
While Double-Manning, time spent as a passenger is legally considered to be a Break, but does not count towards Daily Rest. This means that even with double-manning, there will come a point when both drivers have to take a Daily Rest.
Other Work when travelling to the vehicle
Unless it's parked at the Operating Centre, any time that the secondary driver spends travelling to the vehicle must be logged as Other Work, no matter what mode of transportation is used.
POA for the passenger
Whenever a Driver Card is in slot 2 of the tachograph, and the vehicle is in motion, the passenger's activity will be recorded as Period Of Availability (POA). The first 45 minutes of this POA are actually recorded to the card as a break, however. This makes compliance with break requirements a lot easier while double-manning.
How can Double Manning extend driving time?
When a vehicle is double manned, the total driving time for the vehicle can be extended. This is because both drivers combine their hours, in effect.
In the best-case scenario, the maximum driving time can be 20 hours before both drivers need a daily rest. However, for this to work, both drivers must be eligible to drive for 10 hours (the extended daily drive time).
Advantages Of Double Manning
Many companies are confused by double manning and whether it can actually be beneficial for them. One way it can be used is with drivers who have just joined the company - it can be a great way to learn the ropes while not being "dead wood". For loads that need to cover a long distance quickly, double manning can also greatly increase the amount of time a vehicle can spend on the road.
Summary: Rules For Double Manning
Double manning is a great way to keep your vehicle on the road for longer, but there are important regulations and limitations to consider. While it can extend driving time, there are restrictions on rest periods and specific requirements for co-driver pickup. Take care that you or your employees aren't caught out by the rules!
How TachoMagic can help!
TachoMagic is a tachograph analysis bureau, and we specialise in providing quick, easy-to-understand tacho analysis for Transport Managers. Double-Manning rules are built into our system, so we can help you to uncover and address any infringements that crop up.
We also supply Automatic Download Devices, so you'll never have to do another Driver Card or vehicle download again! Click the blue links, or get in touch using the details below to find out more.
Related Content
If you've found this page useful, you might also enjoy the pages linked below:
- 5 Proven Strategies To Reduce HGV Fleet Costs
- UK Tachograph Rules For Vans And Trailers
- Drivers' and Operators' Core Responsibilities: A Guide to Digital Tachographs
