Learn the rules for keeping a logbook in Canada.

Introduction

This is a fundamental course.

There are different rules for north of the 60°th parallel, but those are not covered here.

You need to know the rules of the log book: if you get pulled into a scale, you're not going to get a fine, you're not gonna work the day for free!

We'll be right back to talk about that.

Don't get a fine - take this comprehensive course!

This logbook course is for drivers operating a truck or bus in Canada.

This self-paced course gives you:

EASY to understand, step-by-step instructions to fill out the Canadian Logbook;
2 practical exercises that include route planning and filling out logbook;
checklists to ensure you completed the form correctly;
multiple choice questions to ensure correct knowledge and understanding.

Exercises, checklists, and cheat sheets will ensure you stay fine free.

Rules for Canadian Log book

Rules of the log book.

You're allowed to drive a maximum of 13-hours in one twenty four-hour period according to Canadian rules.

The reason for the 13 hours of driving, is that during that 13 hour driving period you're going to work another approximately an hour at least in the on-duty-not driving, which totals 14 hours.

Canadian logbooks must show 10 hours off-duty: one consecutive 8-hour block and 2 more breaks of not less than 30 minutes.

Break

So they have two 1-hour breaks and eight consecutive hours off-duty are the basic rules of the log book.

As well, you cannot drive after accumulating 14 hours of on-duty and driving time after that period has elapsed.

So for example, if you drove for eight hours and ended up for whatever reason, in a crash, got stopped at the side of the road and you ended up waiting on-duty for another six hours - so you get six hours of on-duty time and eight hours of driving time.

After that 14 hours, you cannot drive again until you take 8-consecutive hours off duty.

Off-duty Requirements

You have to have 10 hours off duty during the 24-hour period.

You have to have one consecutive 8-hour block, and you have to have another two hours off-duty in increments of not-less-than 30 minutes.

Most drivers take the two hours off duty in two breaks of one-hour at the four hour increments.

So if they drive 13 hours over the course of the day, they have two 1-hour breaks at four hours, another one at the eight hours, and then another 4 or 5 hours of driving to make up the total 13 hours.

You cannot drive after accumulating 16 hours on duty from the start of a work period.

So if you started eight o'clock in the morning and you're still on duty at ten o'clock at night you cannot drive after that period.

So if something went sideways and you were off duty in the middle of the day for a period of time, once that 16 hours elapses you can't drive anymore without taking eight consecutive hours off-duty.

Driver's must carry 2 weeks of log sheets in their vehicle to show to officers at the scale and when inspected.

Additional Rules

In Canada you have to have 14 days of log sheets in the truck.

Again the log books, when you purchase them or get them, come with 31 days in a log book so most drivers keep two months in the truck with them.

They just keep the preceding logbook with them in the truck.

If you've got loose pages—if that's the way that you're keeping your log books—then you need to keep 14 days in the truck, so when you get pulled into the scales you can show them the previous 14 days.

As well, you're log sheets have to be handed into the company every 20 days.

Most companies will have a policy that you simply hand them in at the end of every trip.

That way it allows for the company to do their accounting, get paid, invoice customers and clients and those types of things.

Conclusion

So, rules for the logbook:

• maximum 13 hours driving time;

• you must have a total of 10 hours off duty in a 24 hour period;

• one 8-hour consecutive block &

• 2 additional hours in breaks, not taken in less than thirty minute increments.

Click to LEARN how to calculate your logbook work cycle.

Most drivers will take two 1-hour breaks over the course of the day at the four hour increments of their driving day.

So it'll be at the 4-hour mark, the eight hour mark, and then take their 8-hours consecutive off duty.

You cannot drive after accumulating 14 hours of on-duty and driving time.

And you cannot drive again after being on your work cycle, so if you started at 8 o'clock in the morning and it's 10 o'clock at night you cannot drive until you take eight hours off-duty.

• Hand your log sheets in every 20 days to your company.

• You must have 14 days in the truck.

ALSO WATCH: How to Calculate Work Cycle