To download tachograph data, you need two things: driver card files at least every 28 days and vehicle unit files at least every 90 days. This guide shows the process step by step, what you need for each download and how to keep every file on time.
Last updated: October 2026
Quick answer
Driver card: insert the card into a card reader, start the download, and the DDD file is saved. With myTacho this takes under a minute.
Vehicle unit: connect to the tachograph in the vehicle, insert your company card and start the download. With myTacho this takes 5 to 10 minutes, depending on the amount of data.
Download steps by method
The steps depend on the tool you use. In short:
| Method | How the download works |
|---|---|
| Download key | Plug the key into the tachograph's download port (company card inserted for the vehicle unit), then copy the files from the key to an office PC. |
| Download terminal | The driver inserts the card at a fixed terminal at the depot, which sends the DDD files on by email or FTP. |
| Remote download | A telematics device in the vehicle sends the files to a platform on a schedule, without anyone connecting a device. |
| Tachograph workshop | Bring the vehicle and the driver cards to the workshop, which downloads the data and hands over the DDD files. |
| Phone kit (myTacho) | Connect the kit to an Android phone and download driver cards anywhere and the vehicle unit in the vehicle. Steps below. |
Costs, pros and cons of each method: 5 ways to download tachograph data. The rest of this guide shows the phone method step by step.
What tachograph data you download
A digital tachograph records driving time, rest periods, other work, availability, speed and distance. That data is stored in two places, and each one is downloaded separately:
The vehicle unit: the tachograph in the vehicle stores data about the vehicle and every driver who used it.
The driver card: each driver's personal card stores their own activities, whichever vehicle they drove.
Every download produces a DDD file, the standard format that tachograph analysis software reads. Keep the files for at least one year under EU rules, longer where national law requires it (Slovenia: 5 years), because inspectors can ask for them.
How often you have to download
Commission Regulation (EU) No 581/2010 sets the maximum intervals:
| Data | Maximum interval | Who usually handles it |
|---|---|---|
| Driver card | Every 28 days | Driver, fleet manager or office staff |
| Vehicle unit | Every 90 days | Whoever holds the company card |
⏱ The 28-day cycle is the one that slips. With several drivers, each card has its own deadline. A missed download can be fined, see what a missed tachograph download can cost.
How to download driver card data
Driver cards are downloaded most often, so this is where a quick process saves the most time. The card does not need to be in the vehicle: you can download it anywhere.
What you need
myTacho Download Kit, an Android phone with the myTacho app, and the driver card.
- Insert the card. Put the driver card into the myTacho card reader and connect the reader to the phone.
- Start the download. Open the myTacho app and start the driver card download.
- Done in under a minute. The DDD file is saved on the phone, ready to send.
Full walkthrough with screenshots: how to download driver card data with myTacho, or watch the video.
How to download vehicle unit data
The vehicle unit is downloaded at least every 90 days, directly in the vehicle. You do not need to drive to a workshop or bring a laptop.
What you need
myTacho Download Kit, an Android phone with the myTacho app, and your company card.
- Insert the company card. Your company card gives you access to your company's data in the tachograph. Not locked in yet? See how to lock a tachograph to your company.
- Connect the kit. Plug the myTacho cable into the tachograph's download port and connect it to the phone.
- Start the download. Open the myTacho app and start the vehicle unit download.
- Wait 5 to 10 minutes. The time depends on how much data is stored.
- Send the file. Share the DDD file from the phone by email or, if you use TAHOPRO, send it straight there.
Full walkthrough: how to download tachograph data with myTacho, or watch the video.
myTacho works with all digital tachographs, whatever the brand, including Smart Tachograph 2.
What to do with the DDD files
A download is not a report. The DDD file still needs analysis software to show infringements, working time and the records your company keeps.
myTacho handles the download and shows activity data in the app. If you use TAHOPRO, files go there without manual uploads: see how myTacho and TAHOPRO work together.
Stay on schedule without a spreadsheet
✅ Reminders: the myTacho app reminds you 7, 3 and 1 day before every driver card and tachograph deadline, and again if a download is overdue.
✅ One device for the whole team: the fleet manager, office staff and drivers can all use the same licensed Android phone or tablet.
Questions about tachograph downloads
How often do I need to download tachograph data?
Driver cards at least every 28 days, vehicle units at least every 90 days, as set by Regulation (EU) No 581/2010.
Can drivers download their own card?
Yes. With myTacho, a driver can download their card from the company Android phone, also while away from base. The vehicle unit download needs the company card.
Do I need a computer or a workshop?
No. myTacho downloads both driver cards and vehicle units to an Android phone. For the vehicle unit, the kit has to be connected to the tachograph in the vehicle.
What file format do I get?
DDD files, the standard format for tachograph data. You open and analyse them in tachograph software such as TAHOPRO.
Does myTacho work on iPhone?
Not yet. myTacho currently works with Android phones and tablets.
Download every card and tachograph from one phone
No workshop visits and no laptop: driver cards in under a minute, vehicle units in 5 to 10 minutes.
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