6.1 Introduction

• Many vehicles exempt from EU Regulation 165/2014 are subject to UK Domestic record-keeping requirements.
• Major examples include certain armed-forces, emergency, utility and breakdown vehicles.
• Some Domestic drivers are completely exempt from record keeping.
• Complete record-keeping exemption applies to vehicles which are not O-licensed, such as goods vehicles not exceeding 3,500 kg PMW.
• It also applies to O-licensed vehicles driven for no more than 4 hours per day and remaining within 50 km of base.

6.2 Domestic Record Book

• The basic Domestic record-keeping method is a written record book.
• An approved, correctly installed, calibrated and sealed tachograph can be used instead.
• The record book should be at least A6 size.
• It should contain a front sheet, driver instructions, guidance for employers/employee drivers/owner-drivers and duplicate weekly record sheets.

6.3 Completing Domestic Records

• Enter the driver's name.
• For each day, record the vehicle registration number.
• Record where the vehicle is based.
• Record the time going on duty.
• Record the time going off duty.
• Record total driving time for the day.
• Record total duty time for the day.

6.4 Checking Domestic Records

• The Domestic working week runs from 00:00 Monday to 24:00 Sunday.
• The driver must return the whole record book to the employer within 7 days after the end of the week.
• The employer must check and countersign the record.
• The duplicate copy is detached and retained by the employer.
• The original/top copy remains in the book and is returned to the driver.

6.5 Retention – Driver

• After weekly sheets have been completed and checked, the driver retains the record book for 14 days from the date it was last returned by the employer.
• After the 14-day period, the driver must return the book to the employer as soon as reasonably practicable.

6.6 Retention – Employer

• The employer must preserve the record book and detached duplicate sheets for at least 1 year.
• Records must be kept in good condition and available for examination.
• Operators should bring infringements to drivers' attention.
• Where breaches continue, appropriate disciplinary action should be taken and recorded.