Tachograph Analysis

Tachograph analysis reviews driver-card and vehicle-unit records for drivers’ hours infringements, missing activity and patterns that need investigation. Providers may offer software access, regular analysis by a specialist or a detailed review of a particular incident. Check which type of service you are being quoted for.

A useful report gives the operator or Transport Manager enough information to investigate the finding, discuss it with the driver and decide what needs to change. It should be supported by complete downloads and records of other work where these are needed to understand the driver’s activity.

Choosing tachograph analysis support

• Routine analysis: regular checks of downloaded data, infringement reports, missing activity and trends across drivers or vehicles.
• Management support: help interpreting findings, preparing driver debriefs, checking corrective actions and improving recurring problems.
• A focused investigation: examination of a defined period or event, such as unexplained mileage or records requested during an investigation.
• Training: practical help for the people who download data, use the software and review the reports.

For an HGV operation, the DVSA tachograph rules and operator responsibilities explain the recording requirements. Rules and exemptions depend on the vehicle and work being carried out. A restricted operator licence does not, by itself, establish an exemption.

What the review should examine

Agree how the analyst will check the completeness of the data. Missing downloads, unidentified driving, manual entries, agency-driver activity and a change of vehicle can all need an explanation. A software flag is a reason to examine the record, not a substitute for establishing what happened.

The review should distinguish driving time, breaks and rest from road transport working time. Ask which rules the system applies, what additional information it needs and who checks unusual or disputed findings.

Analogue charts, damaged files or historic investigations may need a different service from routine digital analysis. Confirm that the provider can handle the records involved before agreeing the work.

From infringement report to corrective action

Before starting the service, agree who receives urgent findings and how quickly they will be raised. Routine review frequency should reflect the operation and its risks, with responsibilities written down so reports do not sit unread.

When a finding needs action, keep a record of the evidence examined, the driver’s explanation, any instruction or training given and the later check on whether the problem has recurred. Repeated issues may require changes to scheduling or management, as well as a discussion with the driver.

Outsourcing the analysis does not transfer the operator’s or Transport Manager’s own responsibilities. The contract should make clear who downloads the records, investigates findings, speaks to drivers and follows up unresolved actions.

What is included in the price?

Check whether the quotation covers software, downloads, analysis, expert review and driver debrief support. Ask how charges change with the number of drivers or vehicles, and whether historic data, analogue charts, training or a detailed investigation cost extra.

Also agree access to raw data and reports, how records will be retained, and how you can retrieve them if you change supplier. Ask to see an anonymised example report and an explanation of the follow-up it supports.

If tachograph concerns are part of wider maintenance or management problems, a transport compliance audit can examine the connected systems. For practical recording and download guidance, see digital tachograph downloads and drivers’ hours rules.