PCV Road Signs 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What information do brown road signs provide?
- Warnings about road hazards
- Directions to motorways
- Tourist information and attractions (Correct answer)
- Temporary diversions and roadworks
Correct answer: Tourist information and attractions
Brown road signs provide tourist information, directing drivers to places of interest such as historic sites, theme parks, zoos, and tourist attractions. As a PCV driver operating coaches, you may need to follow brown signs to reach tourist destinations.
Question 2: You see a bus lane sign that reads 'Mon-Sat 7:00-9:30'. What does this mean?
- Buses can only use the lane during these times
- The bus lane is in operation during these hours — other vehicles must not use it during these times (Correct answer)
- All vehicles can use the lane during these hours
- The road is closed to all traffic during these hours
Correct answer: The bus lane is in operation during these hours — other vehicles must not use it during these times
The sign indicates that the bus lane restrictions are in operation during the stated hours (Monday to Saturday, 7:00 to 9:30). During these times, only authorised vehicles (typically buses, licensed taxis, and sometimes cyclists) may use the lane. Outside these hours, other vehicles may use it.
Question 3: What does a green background on a primary route sign indicate?
- The road leads to a motorway
- It is a primary route connecting major towns (Correct answer)
- The road is toll-free
- It is a rural B-road
Correct answer: It is a primary route connecting major towns
Green background signs indicate primary routes — the main A-roads connecting major towns and cities. White background is used for non-primary routes, blue for motorways, and brown for tourist attractions. PCV drivers should be familiar with primary routes for efficient navigation.
Question 4: You see a sign with a red 'X' on a blue background above a motorway lane. What does this mean?
- The lane is open for use
- The lane is closed — do not use it (Correct answer)
- There is a speed restriction in that lane
- Emergency vehicles only in that lane
Correct answer: The lane is closed — do not use it
A red X on a blue background on a motorway overhead gantry means the lane is closed. You must not drive in a lane showing a red X. Lane closures may indicate an incident, breakdown, or obstruction ahead. Driving in a closed lane is an offence and extremely dangerous.
Question 5: What does a diamond-shaped yellow sign on a PCV route indicate?
- A bus priority route where buses have right of way at certain junctions (Correct answer)
- A warning that the road is under repair
- A diversion route for heavy vehicles
- A school zone with reduced speed limits
Correct answer: A bus priority route where buses have right of way at certain junctions
Diamond-shaped yellow signs are used to mark bus priority routes, sometimes called 'Quality Bus Corridors'. These routes may include bus priority measures at traffic signals, giving buses an advantage at junctions to help maintain timetable reliability.
Question 6: You approach a height restriction barrier showing 4.5m. Your double-decker bus is 4.38m tall. Should you proceed?
- Yes, you have 12cm clearance which is plenty
- No, the clearance is too tight — you should find an alternative route (Correct answer)
- Yes, but only at walking pace
- Only if there is no oncoming traffic
Correct answer: No, the clearance is too tight — you should find an alternative route
Although the vehicle theoretically fits, 12cm clearance is very tight and does not account for vehicle bounce, uneven road surfaces, or measurement variations. As a professional PCV driver, you should find an alternative route. A bridge strike with passengers on board could be catastrophic.
PCV Road Signs 2
What information do brown road signs provide?