How long can you drive a utility vehicle without endangering your safety?

Your new job involves driving a van? Are you about to rent a van and embark on a long journey? Or do you simply want to refresh your memory to ensure you don’t exceed the recommended driving times?

Both in the UK and the European Union, there are certain rules regarding how long drivers can drive before needing to take a break. While it might be tempting to grit your teeth and complete the journey in one go to finish as quickly as possible, it’s vital to make stops along the way to relax and recharge your batteries.

After all, there’s no harm in stopping for a coffee or a tasty snack, or even taking a short walk to stretch your legs.

So, what do these rules say?

The rules regarding breaks during a journey are very similar within the European Union and the UK, but there are a few differences.

Driving in the European Union

If you need to travel to a European Union country for work, you’ll find that the rules are a bit stricter. First, you must:

– Take a break of at least 45 minutes after four and a half hours of driving.

– You cannot drive more than nine hours per day. However, you can drive up to 10 hours straight twice a week.

– You cannot drive more than 56 hours per week in total or 90 hours over two weeks.

– Observe a non-professional driving period of 45 consecutive hours. Every other week, this period can be reduced to 24 hours. In other words, take two days of rest every two weeks.

Please note that there are also specific rules on the recommended driving and working time for each day. Additionally, some exemptions were put in place during the COVID-19 pandemic; you can check them on the European Commission’s website.

Driving in the UK

In the UK, if you are a commercial driver, the rules regarding the safe duration for driving a van are quite simple. You just need to remember the following:

– Take a break of at least 30 minutes after five and a half hours of driving.

– Otherwise, you can drive up to eight and a half hours, but you must stop for at least 45 minutes during this period, then an additional 30 minutes at the end of it.

– You must not drive more than 11 hours per day. Keep track of your driving hours on a sheet or using a tachograph.

– Once your day is over, take a break of at least 10 hours.

Are there any exceptions?

If you are driving a vehicle for emergency reasons, such as to prevent major disruption of a public service or to save a life, the above rules do not apply.

Why must you follow these rules?

Besides the fact that it’s the law, driving only for a certain number of hours in a row will drastically reduce your chances of having an accident.

Let’s face it: driving for long periods can be exhausting! Not only do you have to stay extremely focused on the road (to deal with other users), but sitting in the same position for hours can take a toll on your body.

If you drive when you are tired, sore, and (certainly) a bit irritable, you are much more likely to be involved in a road incident, whether it’s an accident or simply road rage towards another motorist.

In addition to taking regular breaks at service stations and dedicated rest areas, you can reduce the risk of incident during your journey simply by:

– Avoiding driving if you are exhausted. It’s an inevitable risk in your profession, but you can try to get a good night’s sleep and adopt a healthy lifestyle to be fully alert.

– Sharing the wheel. Are you traveling with someone who is also able to drive your vehicle? On long journeys, share the driving time with this person. This way, the person not driving can relax and even take a restorative nap!

– Turning on the radio. Listening to the radio at a moderate volume is a great way to keep yourself awake and alert when you’re on the road. Don’t turn the volume up too high, though, as it can be extremely distracting.

– Ensuring you are not hungry. Not eating enough can have a significant impact on your energy levels and overall mood. When you’re on the road, make sure to eat regularly and healthily, and drink plenty of fresh water.

– Using a GPS. For many motorists, it’s an essential tool, especially if you tend to take different routes every day. Having a GPS that regularly gives you instructions is also a great way to keep yourself alert and aware of what’s happening around you.

If you are a professional driver, it can be challenging to ensure your well-being. Check out our guide to staying healthy when you’re on the road. You’ll also find useful tips on protecting your vehicle against COVID, as well as advice on relaxing if driving is your profession.