Unfortunately, Aphex, I am a VOSA accredited tacho trainer, and I wholeheartedly agree the subject is mind numbingly dull, but as I said, the penalty's for getting it wrong can be severe both for the driver (loss of licence and a fine) and for the operator (loss of operators licence).
I'll stick to the basics, which isn't easy as the rules are quite complex and there is some flexibility available on a day to day basis, but here goes.
You can drive for 4.5 hours, and you have to stop for 45 minutes rest and recuperation. That rest period can be split, though, and you can have a 15 minute break, drive a bit,then have a 30 minute break, which obviously makes up the 45 minutes rest and recuperation. Once you have had a period of 45 minutes rest, be it a 15 and 30 minute split or the full 45 minutes, you can drive for a further 4.5 hours, before you need to stop for another 45 minutes.
So, you can drive for 4.5 hours, stop for 45 minutes, and carry on for another 4.5 hours. You can also drive for 2 hours, stop for 15 minutes, drive another 1.5 hours, stop for 30 minutes, and carry on for another 4.5 hours.
You can drive for 9 hours a day, but twice a week you can drive for 10 hours, but you can't exceed 56 hours driving in any one week, and 90 hours in any 2 week period.
As for the bus drivers you mention taking breaks after 2 hours driving, it is perfectly possible, as their rota may require them to be driving for the next 4 hours or so without them taking a break.
To be honest, it is a nightmare for both drivers and operators, but the ultimate responsibility lies with the driver, and the operator can't demand a driver take a vehicle out if the driver does not think he can keep within the timescales.
I hope that helps, and I agree that a lot of bus drivers are miserable sods, but there are also people like me, who are not!
