Drivers’ hours & breaks calculator
Plan a compliant day under EU/GB drivers’ hours rules. Enter your planned driving and shift times to see the breaks and rest you need. Guidance only — always follow DVSA rules and your operator’s procedures.
Based on EU/GB assimilated drivers’ hours rules for this single day.
- You must take at least 1 × 45-minute break (a 45-min break is due after each 4.5 hrs of driving; it can be split 15 + 30).
- You need at least 11 hrs daily rest before/after this shift (can be reduced to 9 hrs up to 3 times a week).
- Maximum 56 hrs driving in any week, and 90 hrs in any two consecutive weeks.
- Weekly rest: at least 45 hrs, reducible to 24 hrs with compensation within 3 weeks.
- Working Time Directive: average 48-hr working week (17/26-week reference), max 60 hrs in any single week.
Full rules explained in our drivers’ hours guide.
Frequently asked questions
How many hours can an HGV driver drive in a day?
Under EU/GB assimilated rules: 9 hours daily driving, extendable to 10 hours no more than twice a week. After 4.5 hours of driving you must take a 45-minute break (splittable into 15 + 30 minutes).
What is the maximum working day for an HGV driver?
The spread between daily rests is normally limited to 13 hours (11 hours daily rest within a 24-hour period). Rest can be reduced to 9 hours up to three times between weekly rests, allowing a 15-hour spread.
What is POA (period of availability)?
POA is time when the driver is available but not working — for example waiting while the vehicle is loaded by others, with the duration known in advance. POA does not count as working time under the Working Time Directive, but it is not a break from driving either.
What are the weekly driving limits?
Maximum 56 hours driving in a fixed week and 90 hours over any two consecutive weeks. Weekly rest is at least 45 hours, reducible to 24 hours with compensation taken within three weeks.