Renewing driver cards: clearing the confusion

Do drivers have to send back the smart card with their application to DVLA? That's the question a lot of operators are asking, and below Tachodisc supplies the answer.

Digital tachograph driver and company cards have a five-year life span, so those ordered in 2006, when digital tachographs were first introduced, are due for renewal this year. However, a common misconception is that drivers need to send back their cards with their renewal application form and many operators are being caught out by this.

Drivers must always carry a digital tachograph smart card (if they have been issued with one), so they must not send their card back to DVLA for renewal. Drivers need to keep hold of the card to be able to continue to work while they wait for DVLA to process the application for renewal of a card. The only reason to send the card back is if it is faulty or malfunctioning.

When the card is due for renewal, drivers will be sent a reminder from the DVLA; if they do not receive this, the form D777B (application for a digital tachograph driver card – new photo not needed) can be downloaded from the DVLA website. If for any reason it is not possible to download this form, then an application form pack (ST1A) can be requested from DVLA (tel: 0300 790 6109). This will include a copy of the form D777B.

The completed application must be returned to DVLA no later than 15 working days before the expiry of the current card. When returning the application, the driver should not include his current card. He will, however, need to supply his contact details, including digital tachograph card number, licence number, address and any changes since last issue, and sign a declaration that the information given on the form is correct. Information given on the application form specifically states that expired cards do not need to be returned and should be kept for 28 days after date of expiry (see note D on form).

Please also note that driver cards issued before 26 August 2006 will stop recording activity and downloading data at midnight 24 hours before the expiry date. Drivers with these cards can continue to drive on this day, but must keep records using the print-out facility on the VU. Driver cards issued after 26 August 2006 will expire 24 hours after the expiry date at 12 midnight. These time scales also apply to when company cards will stop locking and unlocking.

• Karen Crispe is MD of Tachodisc. For further information, please visit www.tachodisc.co.uk or email sales@tachodisc.co.uk. Alternatively call Tachodisc on 01925 283320.
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