Interactive HGV Drivers’ Hours Calculator
Use this tachograph-style calculator to check your daily and weekly position. Enter durations as HH:MM (for example, 4:30 for 4 hours 30 minutes).
What this HGV drivers hours calculator does
This HGV drivers hours calculator helps you quickly estimate whether your shift pattern is within common legal limits for goods vehicle driving. It gives you an instant view of:
- Daily driving status (9-hour standard or 10-hour extended day),
- Break requirements after 4.5 hours of driving,
- Daily rest position (normal vs reduced rest),
- Weekly and fortnightly driving totals,
- A weekly working time check for planning purposes.
Core HGV hours limits (quick reference)
Daily driving limit
Most days are capped at 9 hours driving. You can normally extend to 10 hours on up to 2 days in a week.
Weekly and fortnight limits
- 56 hours maximum driving in a single week.
- 90 hours maximum driving across any two consecutive weeks.
Break rules
After 4.5 hours of driving, a break of 45 minutes is generally required (which can usually be split into qualifying blocks).
Daily rest
- Normal daily rest: 11 hours (or equivalent split rest where permitted).
- Reduced daily rest: minimum 9 hours, typically limited to 3 times between weekly rest periods.
How to use the calculator
- Enter your driving time and longest continuous driving period.
- Add total break minutes taken during the duty.
- Enter other work and daily rest durations.
- Input weekly and fortnight driving totals including today.
- Tick the extended-day option only if today is intended as a 10-hour day.
- Click Calculate Compliance and review each status line.
Example scenario
If a lorry driver has driven 8:45 today, taken 45 minutes of break, and has a weekly driving total of 38:30, the result should generally show:
- Daily driving compliant,
- Break compliant (if no continuous block exceeds 4:30),
- Plenty of room before the 56-hour weekly cap.
That makes this tool useful as a pre-shift and end-of-shift tachograph planning check.
Common mistakes this tool helps prevent
- Accidentally using a third 10-hour day in one week.
- Missing the 45-minute break threshold.
- Overlooking fortnight accumulation near 90 hours.
- Assuming reduced daily rest is always available.
- Confusing driving time with total working time.
Important compliance note
Rules can vary by operation, exemptions, and jurisdiction. This page is an informational calculator, not legal advice. Always rely on current legal texts, official guidance, and your transport manager’s instructions when making compliance decisions.