Digital tachograph information for calibration centres
Digital Tachograph driver and company card application packs are available from the Driver & Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) - please call 0870 8501074.Workshop card application forms are now available from VOSA - please call 01792 454336. Additional information is available on Applying for a workshop card.
This section details the issues that directly affect those of you who will activate, install, calibrate and carry out inspections of digital tachographs.
The latest version of the Authorised Tachograph Centre Manual incorporates the previous structure, procedures and equipment as well as those that were anticipated as a result of the introduction of digital tachographs. The new manual came into effect from the 1st June 2005. A revised version will be published addressing any issues brought about through the introduction of digital tachographs.
The manual has set out the provisions relating to the two different classes of tachograph centre - Analogue and Digital. Existing tachograph centres (analogue) who wish to conduct work on digital tachographs will need to make an application to VOSA for the additional digital approval.
The biggest difference between the analogue tachograph and the digital tachograph is the use of a smart card instead of the record sheets (often called charts, discs, tachos) used in analogue tachographs.
There are 4 cards (collectively known as Digital Tachograph Cards) that are used by the digital tachograph system:
- Driver card - used by drivers
- Company card - for use by the operator
- Workshop card - available only to nominated technicians (previously known as nominated persons) employed, or working, at an Approved Tachograph Calibration Centre
- Control card - available only to VOSA and Police for carrying out enforcement
The cards are plastic, similar in size to a photo driving licence / credit card, with a microchip in it. The Workshop Card will only be personalised to the individual nominated technician at a particular tachograph centre, and must only be used by that person. The workshop card is the only card with the additional security feature of a Personal Identification Number (PIN), which must be inserted at the time of use. This PIN will only be sent to the individual nominated technician and must not be disclosed to anyone else. Should the PIN be entered incorrectly 5 times the card will become de-activated and will need to be replaced.
Only those technicians who have successfully completed training on digital tachographs, and are employed, or work, at an approved tachograph centre that is authorised to work on Digital Tachographs will be able to apply for, and obtain, a workshop card. These applications will need to be made through VOSA.
The workshop card will be required for a number of purposes, such as;
- to activate a vehicle unit, after installation
- to enter, amend or alter any of the calibration settings ( W, L, tyre size or VRM)
- to re-set or correct any error in time on the VU
- to decommission any old VU ( and download data where required)
and may only be used by the cardholder at the designated tachograph centre. These cards must remain within the designated Digital Tachograph Centre, and the centre will be responsible for ensuring the security of these cards when not in use.
Please also see our page regarding Digital tachograph workshop requirements for further information.
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