Setting up an Approved Tachograph Centre (ATC)
Tachograph workshop smart cards
A tachograph workshop card is used to calibrate digital tachographs. To be eligible for a workshop card, you must:
- be a nominated technician working at an Approved Tachograph Centre (ATC) with digital status
- hold a digital training certificate
Tachograph workshop cards are issued free of charge. They are automatically renewed every year on 31 March.
The cards are issued to a nominated technician, not to a centre - this means that only the individual who has the card can use it.
If you’re the nominated technician and you work at 2 workshops, you’ll need a card for each workshop.
How to apply
Print off and fill in form D778B and send it to DVSA, with a copy of an up-to-date analogue and digital training certificate.
DVSA
PO Box 343
Swansea
SA1 2YS
Once DVSA has checked and approved your application it will be forwarded to the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA), who will issue your card to the ATC where you work.
You’ll need a PIN code to use a workshop card. This will be sent to your home address, and must only be used by you.
If you enter the wrong PIN code 5 times in a row it will lock the card and you’ll need to apply for a new card using form D778B. You’ll also be issued with a new PIN code
Read ‘How to fill in your application for a digital tachograph workshop card (D778B)’ before you fill in the form.
For more help, contact the DVSA helpline.
DVSA helpline
Telephone: 0300 123 9000
Find out about call charges
Working with tachograph workshop cards
Workshop cards can hold:
- details of 88 calibrations
- a small amount of events and faults data
A workshop card must not be used instead of a company card. If you have a card used by your calibration centre, this must only be used in accordance with the tachograph centre’s duties and not as a substitute company card.
All insertions of a card are recorded on the vehicle unit and the card.
Renewal of workshop cards
DVLA sends a renewal list to DVSA 2 months before a card’s expiry. This is then checked and returned to DVLA with details of technicians whose cards can be renewed.
You must report any lost or stolen cards to DVSA and the police immediately.
If your card is lost or stolen, you can apply for a replacement by printing off and filling in form D778B to DVSA. You’ll need to provide a police incident reference number for stolen cards.
If your card stops working
Try using the card in a different vehicle unit. If it still does not work, print off and fill in form D778B and sent it with the faulty card to DVSA to get a new card.
Any misuse of workshop cards may lead to the withdrawal of your nominated technician and tachograph centre’s approval.