as I aint done no hgv driving im not sure how to use a digi card and analog , can anyone show me how you use these in ther wagon, I think I need to book a taco course
There’s a good thread somewhere with pictures, which I can’t find! One could write pages about both, here is the short version which is hopefully enough to avoid you looking like a prat if someone’s watching!
ANALOGUE
Get a new card- scribble on your name, town/city you are in, mileage of wagon, registration number and date. The start milage is usually the lower line, which confused me at first, but the reason why becomes obvious.
Open up tacho head (car radio shape ones you need ignition on first), put in the card with the stuff you have written on facing upwards. If you get confused which way up, just think “could I open the tacho head to check my hours WITHOUT removing the card”
Turn mode switch to the crossed hammers which is driving / other work. Bed is obviously break.
At end of shift add the town/city you finished in, and the mileage of the wagon to the card. Keep cards for 28 days then give them to transport manager.
DIGITAL
Stick your card in.
It tells you when you last finished, and offers you chance to add manual entries. Add manual entries if you did other work since taking card out, or you did other work before putting card in. Easiest to leave card in until you finish shift and put card in when you start shift, but not always possible.
Then it asks you to confirm which country you are in. Then that’s it…
It will always record driving when the vehicle is moving. So you only really have to look at it when you stop, and make sure it is on break / other work accordingly. Keep a sharp eye it in case the mode changes itself when you put ignition on.
Eject card at end of shift.
Both are a doddle when you have done it all a couple of times.
If you look in saftey laws forum there is a sticky for a digi tacho simulator at top of forum , also if you go out and get yourself a book called the truckers handbook , loads of good info in that , from tachos to pulling curtains different lifts on vehs etc and a list of places to stop(svcs and truck stops etc ) locations and what they have in them , when I first started on the lorrys this book was a godsend to me and it is very dog eared now lol but a good read and very helpfull when starting out 
If you are told to start work at 6 am and when you get there your truck is still in the garage you need to record a manual entry and best to ask a driver to show as all tachos may differ and if stopped by vosa the start times differ and they will need to know what activity you were doing by the time you got in the truck.
Jennie:
If you look in saftey laws forum there is a sticky for a digi tacho simulator at top of forum , also if you go out and get yourself a book called the truckers handbook , loads of good info in that , from tachos to pulling curtains different lifts on vehs etc and a list of places to stop(svcs and truck stops etc ) locations and what they have in them , when I first started on the lorrys this book was a godsend to me and it is very dog eared now lol but a good read and very helpfull when starting out
I agree ^^ very useful book! definately worth getting hold of.