Driver card 2024 - what is it, how to get it and for whom? Digital tachograph.
A driver's card is an essential document for those driving vehicles equipped with a digital tachograph. In 2024, the process of obtaining a driver's card has been optimized, but still requires certain conditions and procedures.
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What is a driver's card and what is it used for?
A driver card is an electronic document that works with a digital tachograph to record a driver's working time. Every professional driver operating a vehicle with a tachograph must have a driver card, which is his personal identifier.
How to get a driver's card?
Driver card issuance process
The issuance of a driver's card requires the submission of an appropriate application to the Polish Security Printing Works (PWPW). The driver must provide the following documents:
- Valid driver's license of the appropriate category
- Completed application for driver card
- Current photo
- Confirmation of payment
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Validity of the driver's card
The validity of the driver's card is 5 years from the date of issue. The validity of the driver card is independent of the validity period of the driver's license, but the driver must have a valid driver's license to use the card.
Data stored on the driver's card
The digital tachograph records the following information on the driver's card:
- Driving time
- Rest periods
- Driving speed
- Kilometers traveled
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How to apply for a driver card?
Application procedure
You can apply for a card:
- Electronically through the PWPW portal
- In person at the service desk
- By mail
The waiting time for the issuance of a driver's card is normally up to 30 days.
Costs and fees
The issuance of a driver's card involves certain fees. You can check the current price list on the website of the Security Printing Works.
External sources:
- EU Regulation 165/2014
- European Commission Mobility and Transport Portal
- International Road Transport Union
Driver card regulations
Driver must comply with working time regulations and proper use of the card. The driver's card data is an official record of activity and can be controlled by authorized services.
Loss or damage to the card
If the driver's card is lost or damaged, you should:
- Report this fact within 7 days
- Apply for a new card
- Continue driving according to special procedures for the waiting period
Driver's card responsibilities
The driver is required to:
- Regular downloading of card data
- Proper use of the card
- Monitoring the expiration date
- Report any irregularities
Useful links:
- European Agency for Safety and Health at Work
- European Transport Safety Council
- Transport Research and Innovation Portal
Driver card vs. digital tachograph
The cooperation of the card with the digital tachograph is crucial for the correct recording of the driver's working time. This system provides:
- Accurate measurement of working time
- Data security
- Regulatory compliance
Data control and verification
The data stored on the driver's card is subject to regular checks. Drivers should check regularly:
- Correctness of records
- Regulatory compliance
- Expiration dates of documents
International aspects of card use
The driver's card is recognized throughout the European Union and AETR countries. Drivers engaged in international transportation must:
- Comply with the regulations of all countries
- Keep documentation up to date
- Know the local regulations
The future of driver cards
Developments in technology are influencing the evolution of timekeeping systems. Future developments may include:
- New card functionalities
- Better integration with telematics systems
- Enhanced data security
Industry sources:
Remember that the driver's card is a key element in the work of a professional driver. Its proper use and attention to the timeliness of documents are the basis for the legal performance of transport.