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

No notification required — operators can suspend services as needed

Answer

Only inform passengers — no regulatory notification needed

Answer

Only notify if suspension exceeds 3 months

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

Third party fire and theft only

Answer

Comprehensive insurance is mandatory for all PSVs

Answer

No specific insurance requirement beyond the vehicle's registration

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

Tachographs are only required for HGVs, not PCVs

Answer

PCV drivers never use tachographs

Answer

Tachographs are required only for coaches, not local buses

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

A test for banned driving techniques

Answer

A fitness test for drivers operating prohibited routes

Answer

A check on vehicle modifications that may be prohibited

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

Only financial solvency matters for licensing

Answer

Good repute refers to customer satisfaction ratings

Answer

Only applies to transport managers, not operators

Question 6

What records must a PCV operator keep regarding driver hours and tachograph data?

Accepted Answer

Tachograph records (charts or digital downloads) must be retained for at least 12 months — operator must analyse for infringements

Answer

Records need only be kept for 28 days

Answer

Driver hours records are the driver's personal responsibility — operators need not retain them

Answer

Only records for vehicles involved in accidents need to be kept