PCV Bus & Coach Regulations 4 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is a 'transport manager' in the context of a PSV operator's licence?
- A person named on the PSV operator's licence who is responsible for managing transport operations — must hold a Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC) in road passenger transport (Correct answer)
- Any manager employed by a bus company
- A Traffic Commissioner official managing bus routes
- The senior driver on a service
Correct answer: A person named on the PSV operator's licence who is responsible for managing transport operations — must hold a Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC) in road passenger transport
A transport manager (TM) is a named individual on a PSV operator's licence who takes responsibility for the transport operation's compliance with regulations. They must hold a Transport Manager CPC (not the same as a driver's CPC) and must genuinely manage the operation.
Question 2: What are the consequences of operating a PSV without a valid operator's licence?
- Criminal prosecution, unlimited fine, impounding of the vehicle, and being prohibited from future licensing (Correct answer)
- A fixed penalty notice only
- A warning letter for first offences
- Only the driver is prosecuted — the operator has no liability
Correct answer: Criminal prosecution, unlimited fine, impounding of the vehicle, and being prohibited from future licensing
Operating a PSV without a licence is a serious criminal offence. Penalties include prosecution, unlimited fines, vehicle impounding, and prohibition from holding a licence in future. Both the operator and individuals responsible can be prosecuted.
Question 3: What is a 'Section 9 prohibition' in the context of PSV enforcement?
- A notice issued by a DVSA examiner prohibiting a vehicle from being used due to a safety defect (Correct answer)
- A road closure for bus operations
- A prohibition on a driver operating specific routes
- A notice prohibiting fare changes without approval
Correct answer: A notice issued by a DVSA examiner prohibiting a vehicle from being used due to a safety defect
A Section 9 prohibition notice is issued by a DVSA examiner when a vehicle has a defect that makes it dangerous. It can be immediate (vehicle must stop now) or delayed (vehicle can return to base). The vehicle cannot be used until the defect is remedied.
Question 4: What must a PSV driver carry as proof of entitlement to drive a PCV professionally?
- Driver licence with Category D entitlement and Driver CPC qualification card (Correct answer)
- Standard driving licence only
- PSV operator's licence copy
- Traffic Commissioner permit
Correct answer: Driver licence with Category D entitlement and Driver CPC qualification card
Professional PCV drivers must carry their driving licence (showing Category D entitlement) and their Driver CPC card (DQC — Driver Qualification Card). These must be produced to DVSA enforcement officers on request.
Question 5: What is a 'community bus permit' (Section 22 permit)?
- A permit allowing vehicles with up to 16 passenger seats to be operated by community groups without a full PSV licence (Correct answer)
- A permit for buses in pedestrian zones
- A permit for unregistered bus services
- An exemption from annual testing for community vehicles
Correct answer: A permit allowing vehicles with up to 16 passenger seats to be operated by community groups without a full PSV licence
Section 22 permits allow community bus services to be operated by non-profit organisations using small buses (up to 16 seats). They are issued by the Traffic Commissioner and allow community transport without the full obligations of a PSV operator's licence.
Question 6: What is a 'PCV driving licence entitlement restriction' and when might one be imposed?
- A restriction on the driver's licence limiting the type or size of PCV they may drive — imposed after a medical issue or disciplinary matter (Correct answer)
- A restriction imposed by the operator on driver hours
- A restriction on night driving for new PCV drivers
- A restriction on the number of passengers carried
Correct answer: A restriction on the driver's licence limiting the type or size of PCV they may drive — imposed after a medical issue or disciplinary matter
The DVLA can impose restrictions on a PCV licence, such as requiring glasses to be worn, limiting to automatics only, or restricting the type of PCV. Traffic Commissioners can also impose conditions on a driver's professional licence following disciplinary proceedings.
PCV Bus & Coach Regulations 4
What is a 'transport manager' in the context of a PSV operator's licence?