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Tachograph Training
More than 2 million students worldwide

Tachograph Training

4.4

Master every aspect of tachograph compliance, from analogue chart discs to smart units with GNSS technology. This course equips drivers, transport managers, and fleet operators with the practical knowledge to stay legal, pass roadside inspections, and protect their operating licence. Whether you are new to tachographs or refreshing your expertise, this training covers it all.

Dedika for businesses

What you will learn:

This course covers the full range of tachograph knowledge required for professional road transport operations. You will learn how analogue, digital, and smart tachograph systems work and how to operate each one correctly. The hours of service rules are explained in detail, with worked examples that show you how to plan compliant timetables. You will also learn how to download, store, and analyse tachograph data to meet operator obligations. Roadside inspection procedures, enforcement interactions, and infringement management are covered so you can respond confidently under pressure. Fleet integration, calibration requirements, and emerging technologies round out your training for a complete compliance skill set.

How you study in practice Tachograph Training

How you practise Tachograph Training

For businesses looking to train their team

With Dedika for businesses, the course includes exercises and examples tailored to your own business and the way your company needs.

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Course content

8 Chapters • 39 LessonsDuration between 4 and 360 hours (you decide)

Chapter 1See details

Introduction to Tachographs and Regulations

  • Lesson 1 • History and Evolution of the Device

    Traces development from mechanical drum recorders to digital and smart units. Provides context for understanding why current standards exist.

  • Lesson 2 • What a Tachograph Does

    Defines the tachograph's role in recording driver activity and vehicle speed. Connects device function to road safety and enforcement objectives.

  • Lesson 3 • Regulatory Framework Overview

    Outlines the international and regional rules governing tachograph use without citing specific code identifiers. Learners grasp the scope of compliance obligations.

  • Lesson 4 • Types of Tachograph Systems

    Distinguishes analogue, digital, and smart tachograph systems by generation and capability. Sets the stage for device-specific training in later chapters.

Chapter 2See details

Analogue Tachograph Operation

  • Lesson 1 • Common Analogue Faults and Fixes

    Identifies frequent mechanical faults such as slipping charts and stylus misalignment. Learners apply corrective actions to maintain record integrity.

  • Lesson 2 • Inserting and Removing Charts

    Demonstrates the correct procedure for loading and unloading chart discs without damaging traces. Errors at this stage invalidate the entire day's record.

  • Lesson 3 • Manual Entries and Annotations

    Covers required handwritten fields on the chart centre and reverse side. Accurate annotations complete the legal record and support roadside inspection.

  • Lesson 4 • Components of an Analogue Unit

    Identifies every physical part of the analogue head unit and its function. Understanding components prevents handling errors during daily operation.

  • Lesson 5 • Tachograph Chart Discs

    Explains chart disc construction, wax coating, and time-scale markings. Correct chart selection ensures accurate and legally valid recordings.

Chapter 3See details

Digital Tachograph Operation

  • Lesson 1 • Daily Card Insertion Procedures

    Guides learners through start-of-shift card insertion, country entry, and mode selection. Procedural accuracy prevents data gaps that trigger compliance violations.

  • Lesson 2 • Digital Unit Architecture

    Maps the hardware and software components of a digital tachograph head unit. Familiarity with architecture supports confident daily use and fault recognition.

  • Lesson 3 • End-of-Shift Card Withdrawal

    Covers correct card removal sequence, printout generation, and card storage. Proper withdrawal preserves data integrity and supports operator download obligations.

  • Lesson 4 • Driver Cards and Company Cards

    Explains the four card types, their embedded data, and authorised users. Correct card use is the foundation of a valid digital record.

  • Lesson 5 • Reading the Digital Display

    Teaches interpretation of all standard display screens and symbol meanings. Drivers who read the display accurately can self-monitor compliance in real time.

Chapter 4See details

Smart Tachograph Features and Use

  • Lesson 1 • Smart Card Compatibility

    Covers the upgraded card security features required for smart tachograph operation. Ensures learners obtain and manage the correct card generation.

  • Lesson 2 • Automatic Location Recording

    Explains how the unit logs border crossings and loading or unloading points automatically. Drivers learn when manual location entry is still required.

  • Lesson 3 • Smart Tachograph Technology

    Introduces GNSS positioning, ITS interface, and remote early detection capabilities. Understanding the technology clarifies why smart units impose additional obligations.

  • Lesson 4 • Remote Roadside Checks

    Describes how enforcement agencies interrogate smart units wirelessly without stopping vehicles. Learners understand what data is transmitted and their obligations.

  • Lesson 5 • Transitioning from Digital to Smart

    Addresses practical steps operators and drivers take when upgrading vehicle fleets. Reduces operational disruption during the transition period.

Chapter 5See details

Hours of Service Rules and Compliance

  • Lesson 1 • Multi-Manning Rules

    Addresses driving time and rest rules when two drivers share a vehicle. Learners distinguish individual and crew obligations to avoid dual-driver violations.

  • Lesson 2 • Driving Time Limits

    Defines daily and weekly driving limits and the conditions for extended driving. Accurate knowledge prevents the most common and costly compliance breaches.

  • Lesson 3 • Calculating Compliance Scenarios

    Applies all hours rules to realistic scheduling scenarios using worked examples. Builds the analytical skill needed to plan legal rosters and respond to inspections.

  • Lesson 4 • Daily and Weekly Rest Periods

    Covers regular and reduced daily rest, weekly rest obligations, and compensation rules. Correct rest planning is essential for multi-day and international operations.

  • Lesson 5 • Mandatory Break Requirements

    Explains the 45-minute break rule and its permitted split into two segments. Learners apply break rules correctly across varied shift patterns.

Chapter 6See details

Data Download, Storage, and Security

  • Lesson 1 • Download Equipment and Software

    Surveys approved download tools, interfaces, and analysis software categories. Selecting appropriate equipment ensures data integrity and regulatory acceptance.

  • Lesson 2 • Data File Formats and Structure

    Explains the standardised encrypted file format used across all digital tachographs. Understanding file structure supports accurate analysis and audit preparation.

  • Lesson 3 • Data Security and Tamper Prevention

    Identifies threats to data integrity including manipulation devices and unauthorised access. Learners implement controls that protect records and demonstrate good faith.

  • Lesson 4 • Download Obligations and Frequencies

    States mandatory download intervals for vehicle units and driver cards. Meeting these intervals is a primary operator compliance obligation.

  • Lesson 5 • Retention Periods and Record Keeping

    Defines how long operators must retain digital files and analogue charts. Proper archiving prevents penalties during retrospective enforcement checks.

Chapter 7See details

Tachograph Analysis and Infringement Management

  • Lesson 1 • Using Analysis Software

    Demonstrates core functions of tachograph analysis platforms including filtering and reporting. Proficiency reduces analysis time and improves infringement detection accuracy.

  • Lesson 2 • Continuous Improvement Systems

    Introduces KPI tracking and trend analysis to reduce infringement rates over time. Systematic improvement protects operator licences and driver employment.

  • Lesson 3 • Operator Compliance Reporting

    Covers internal and external reporting requirements following infringement analysis. Accurate reporting demonstrates due diligence to enforcement authorities.

  • Lesson 4 • Driver Debriefing Procedures

    Outlines a structured process for discussing infringements with drivers constructively. Effective debriefing reduces repeat violations and supports a compliance culture.

  • Lesson 5 • Classifying Infringement Severity

    Categorises infringements by severity level from minor to most serious. Correct classification determines the appropriate management and reporting response.

Chapter 8See details

Roadside Inspections and Enforcement

  • Lesson 1 • Types of Enforcement Checks

    Distinguishes roadside stops, premises inspections, and remote smart tachograph checks. Knowing the check type helps drivers and operators prepare the right documents.

  • Lesson 2 • Documents Required at Inspection

    Lists every document an officer may request and the required retention period on the vehicle. Gaps in documentation are independent infringements regardless of driving record.

  • Lesson 3 • Interacting with Enforcement Officers

    Provides communication guidance for professional and cooperative officer interactions. Correct conduct prevents minor issues from escalating to prohibition notices.

  • Lesson 4 • Prohibition Notices and Immobilisation

    Explains conditions under which officers issue prohibition notices or immobilise vehicles. Learners understand consequences and the process for lifting prohibitions.

  • Lesson 5 • Post-Inspection Operator Actions

    Defines operator responsibilities after a driver reports an inspection outcome. Timely internal action limits regulatory exposure and supports driver welfare.

Certification

Your valid completion certificate

This course is for you:

  • Commercial lorry driver: wants to avoid costly roadside violations confidently.

  • New transport manager: needs structured compliance knowledge to lead their team.

  • Fleet coordinator: responsible for keeping multiple vehicles and drivers legally compliant.

  • Owner-operator: runs their own vehicle and must handle all compliance personally.

  • Logistics dispatcher: timetables drivers and must understand hours rules thoroughly.

  • Career changer: entering road transport and building foundational regulatory knowledge fast.

What our students say

Your lessons are perfect. I purchased the one-year package and finally have the opportunity to follow various topics of interest without needing to change platforms... I'm grateful for everything you do, I've already recommended you to other people...
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Giulio CarloDigital Marketing Student
I like how the lessons are straight to the point and how I can change chapters and skip content I don't need.
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Mariana FerresPhotography Student
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Luciana AlvarengaNail Design Student
The platform is fast and simple to use. The diversity of content and complementary videos really help with learning.
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