PCV Bus & Coach Regulations 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is a 'Traffic Commissioner' and what is their role in PCV regulation?
- A government official who grants PSV operator's licences, regulates services, and disciplines operators and drivers (Correct answer)
- A police officer specialising in road traffic
- The head of DVSA enforcement
- A local authority official who manages bus routes
Correct answer: A government official who grants PSV operator's licences, regulates services, and disciplines operators and drivers
Traffic Commissioners are appointed by the Secretary of State for Transport. They grant and regulate PSV operator's licences, register local bus services, and can hold public inquiries that may result in licence revocation, suspension, or curtailment.
Question 2: What is the purpose of a 'Public Service Vehicle Accessibility Regulations' (PSVAR) compliance requirement?
- To ensure buses and coaches meet standards for accessibility for disabled passengers including wheelchair users (Correct answer)
- To regulate ticketing systems
- To set noise emission standards for buses
- To control route licensing
Correct answer: To ensure buses and coaches meet standards for accessibility for disabled passengers including wheelchair users
PSVAR sets out requirements for new buses and coaches to be accessible to disabled passengers, including wheelchair users, those with visual impairments, and those with other disabilities. It covers features such as low floors, ramps, designated wheelchair spaces, and visual/audio information.
Question 3: What is a 'route registration' for a local bus service?
- A formal registration with the Traffic Commissioner required before operating a local bus service — specifying route, timetable, and stops (Correct answer)
- A local authority permission for bus routes
- An MOT certification for bus routes
- A police permit for operating on certain roads
Correct answer: A formal registration with the Traffic Commissioner required before operating a local bus service — specifying route, timetable, and stops
Local bus services must be registered with the Traffic Commissioner at least 56 days before commencing operation. The registration specifies the route, timetable, stopping places, and fares. Changes also require 56 days notice.
Question 4: Under UK bus regulations, what must be clearly displayed in a bus?
- The maximum number of passengers, no smoking notices, emergency exit instructions, and operator information (Correct answer)
- Only the no smoking sign
- Only the maximum passenger number
- Nothing is legally required beyond what DVSA specifies
Correct answer: The maximum number of passengers, no smoking notices, emergency exit instructions, and operator information
Buses must display various mandatory information including: maximum passenger capacity, no smoking signs, emergency exit markings, operator name and contact details, and accessibility information. These are legal requirements for PSVs.
Question 5: What is the consequence for a PCV operator of a vehicle failing a DVSA vehicle inspection?
- The vehicle may receive a prohibition notice and the operator's compliance record is affected, potentially leading to Traffic Commissioner action (Correct answer)
- Only a fine is issued — the vehicle can continue to operate
- The driver is personally fined — the operator is not affected
- No formal action is taken until the annual MOT is failed
Correct answer: The vehicle may receive a prohibition notice and the operator's compliance record is affected, potentially leading to Traffic Commissioner action
A failed DVSA inspection results in a prohibition notice for the vehicle. The operator's earned recognition or compliance record is negatively affected. Repeated failures can result in the Traffic Commissioner calling the operator to a public inquiry, potentially leading to licence action.
Question 6: What records must a PSV operator keep for each vehicle?
- Service and maintenance records, driver defect reports, annual test certificates, and daily inspection records — minimum 15 months retention (Correct answer)
- Only the annual MOT certificate
- Insurance documents only
- Fuel records and MOT certificate
Correct answer: Service and maintenance records, driver defect reports, annual test certificates, and daily inspection records — minimum 15 months retention
PSV operators must retain a comprehensive set of records including preventive maintenance records, driver defect reports, annual test certificates, and vehicle inspection reports. Records must be kept for a minimum period (generally 15 months for maintenance records).
PCV Bus & Coach Regulations 2
What is a 'Traffic Commissioner' and what is their role in PCV regulation?