PCV Bus & Coach Regulations 5

Question 1

What is required before a PCV operator can take vehicles off the road for more than a specified period?

Accepted Answer

Notification to the Traffic Commissioner if it affects the registered service — service changes require 56 days' notice

Answer

Changes to registered local bus services (including suspension) require 56 days' notice to the Traffic Commissioner. Operators cannot simply suspend or change a registered service without following the prescribed notification process.

Question 2

What type of insurance is the minimum legal requirement for a PSV?

Accepted Answer

Third party insurance covering passengers and third parties — operators typically carry more comprehensive cover

Answer

PSV operators must have insurance that covers liability to passengers and third parties. Third party insurance is the legal minimum. In practice, most PSV operators carry comprehensive fleet insurance given the high passenger liability risks.

Question 3

What is the requirement for PCV drivers regarding tachograph use when carrying passengers?

Accepted Answer

EU drivers' hours and tachograph rules apply to PCV drivers operating vehicles over 9 passenger seats on routes over 50 km — driver must use a tachograph

Answer

PCV drivers operating vehicles with more than 9 seats on journeys over 50 km are generally subject to EU drivers' hours rules and must use a tachograph. Many local bus operations are exempt, but coaches and long-distance services typically require tachograph use.

Question 4

What is a 'prohibited vehicle test' check for PCV operators?

Accepted Answer

A check that unlicensed vehicles are not being used in PCV operations — every vehicle must be specified on the operator's licence

Answer

Every vehicle used in PSV operations must be specified (authorised) on the operator's licence. Using unspecified vehicles is an offence. Operators must notify the Traffic Commissioner when adding or removing vehicles from their fleet.

Question 5

What is the significance of a 'good repute' requirement for PSV operators and transport managers?

Accepted Answer

Operators and transport managers must be of good repute — serious criminal convictions or repeated regulatory failures can disqualify them from holding a licence

Answer

Good repute is one of the four requirements for a PSV operator's licence (along with financial standing, professional competence, and appropriate establishment). Serious convictions or persistent regulatory failures can cause the Traffic Commissioner to find an operator or TM no longer of good repute, leading to licence loss.

DVSA UK Driving Theory Practice Test

DVSA UK Driving Theory Practice Test

PCV Bus & Coach Regulations 5