HGV Time Pilot - How to Use Guide

Introduction

Welcome to HGV Time Pilot! This web application is designed to help HGV drivers track their work shifts, activities (Driving, Work, Break), and provide basic checks against common EU drivers' hours and Working Time Directive (WTD) rules.

Use this app as a helpful tool alongside your official tachograph records.

Core Features

User Accounts

  • Register: Create a new driver account with your name, email, and password.
  • Login: Access your account securely.

Shift Management

  • Start Shift: Begin a new work period. You will need to enter your vehicle registration number.
  • End Shift: Finish your current work period. The app automatically stops the last recorded activity.

Activity Tracking (Timers Page)

  • Record your current status by clicking the DRIVING, WORK, or BREAK buttons.
  • The app automatically calculates the duration of each activity when you switch to a new one or end your shift.

Reporting (Dashboard)

  • Generate Weekly or Fortnightly PDF reports.
  • Reports show a detailed log of your activities during the selected period.
  • Reports include a Summary section with calculated driving totals and WTD work time.
  • Reports include an Infringements section highlighting potential rule violations detected.

How to Use (Basic Workflow)

  1. Login: Access the app using your email and password. If you don't have an account, use the 'Register' link.
  2. Start Shift (Dashboard): Click the "Start Shift" button and enter your current vehicle registration. You will be taken to the Timers page.
  3. Record Activities (Timers Page):
    • As soon as you start driving, click the DRIVING button.
    • When you stop driving to do other work (loading, checks), click the WORK button.
    • When you take a break or rest, click the BREAK button.
    • Important: Click the correct button as soon as your activity changes.
  4. End Shift (Timers Page): When your work period is finished, click the "End Shift" button.
  5. View Reports (Dashboard): Click the "Weekly Report" or "Fortnightly Report" buttons to download a PDF summary of your activities and compliance status.

Understanding Your Reports

The PDF reports generated from the Dashboard contain:

  • Activity Log:

    A table listing all recorded activities (Date, Activity Type, Start Time, End Time, Duration) within the report period.

  • Summary:
    • Weekly/Fortnightly Driving Total: Shows your total driving time compared to the legal limit (56 hours weekly / 90 hours fortnightly).
    • WTD Work in Period: Shows the total time spent on 'Driving' and 'Work' activities during the report dates.
  • Infringements:

    Lists any potential rule violations detected by the app based on your recorded activities. Examples include:

    • Exceeding 4.5-hour driving limit without a qualifying break.
    • Exceeding 9-hour (or 10-hour extended) daily driving limit.
    • Exceeding shift spread limits.
    • Exceeding weekly or fortnightly driving limits.
    • Insufficient breaks according to WTD rules.

Important Notes & Limitations

  • Accuracy Depends on You: The app's calculations are only as accurate as the data you enter. Please ensure you click activity buttons promptly.
  • Rule Checks: The app checks for common infringements related to driving time, breaks, daily/weekly totals, and basic WTD rules.
  • Known Limitations:
    • Some complex rules (e.g., reduced daily rests, detailed weekly rest compensation) are not yet fully implemented or checked.
    • Calculations involving duties crossing midnight might have minor inaccuracies in specific edge cases.
  • Reset Data Button - Use With Caution! A "Reset My Shift Data" button is available on the dashboard. Clicking this will ask for confirmation and then permanently delete ALL your recorded shifts and activities. Data cannot be recovered once deleted. This is only useful for significant errors where you need a completely fresh start.
  • Not an Official Record:

    This application is intended as an aid only. It does not replace the legal requirement for official tachograph recording and does not guarantee compliance.

Disclaimer

Always refer to the official DVSA guidelines and EU regulations for the definitive drivers' hours and working time rules. The developers of HGV Time Pilot are not responsible for any infringements incurred while using this tool. Ensure you understand and comply with all legal requirements.