PCV Passenger Safety & Duty of Care

Question 1

What is a PCV driver's primary duty of care towards passengers?

Accepted Answer

To transport passengers safely, ensuring all relevant safety precautions are observed and passengers are not put at risk

Answer

The primary duty of care is to transport passengers safely. This includes driving at appropriate speeds, securing the vehicle before passengers board or alight, checking for vulnerable passengers, and not driving in a way that puts passengers at risk.

Question 2

What should a PCV driver do before driving away from a bus stop?

Accepted Answer

Ensure all passengers are seated or holding a support, check mirrors to confirm the door is clear, and check no passengers are still boarding

Answer

Before moving away, the driver must ensure passengers have had time to be seated or secured (holding handrails), check all mirrors (including the kerbside mirror for the door area), and confirm it is safe to pull away. This is especially important for elderly or disabled passengers.

Question 3

A passenger appears to be in medical distress on the bus. What should the PCV driver do?

Accepted Answer

Stop the vehicle safely at the earliest opportunity, provide first aid if trained, call 999, and keep calm to reassure other passengers

Answer

A passenger in medical distress is a medical emergency. The driver must stop safely as soon as possible (not just at the next scheduled stop), call 999, provide first aid if trained, and manage other passengers to prevent panic.

Question 4

What is the legal maximum number of standing passengers on a local service bus?

Accepted Answer

Determined by the vehicle's Certificate of Initial Fitness (CoIF) or type approval — must not exceed the operator-licensed number

Answer

The maximum number of standing passengers is determined by the vehicle's official certification and the operator's licence conditions. The number is specified in the vehicle's documentation. Carrying more than the certified number is illegal.

Question 5

A passenger boards with a pushchair and wants to use the pushchair space. What is the driver's responsibility?

Accepted Answer

Ensure the pushchair is properly positioned in the designated area and the brakes are applied — the parent/carer is responsible for securing it

Answer

The PCV driver should ensure pushchairs are in the designated area and advise parents to apply the pushchair brake. However, the parent/carer is responsible for the pushchair and child. The driver should check the space is occupied correctly before moving.

DVSA UK Driving Theory Practice Test

DVSA UK Driving Theory Practice Test

PCV Passenger Safety & Duty of Care