PCV Skid Prevention and Defensive Driving

Question 1

What is the most common cause of skidding in a bus or coach?

Accepted Answer

Excessive speed for the road conditions

Answer

Skids are most often caused by driving too fast for the prevailing road and weather conditions.

Question 2

If the rear of a bus begins to skid to the right (oversteer), what should the driver do?

Accepted Answer

Steer gently into the skid (to the right) and avoid harsh braking

Answer

Steering into the direction of the skid (the direction the rear is moving) helps the driver regain control.

Question 3

What does 'defensive driving' mean for a PCV driver?

Accepted Answer

Anticipating hazards and adjusting driving to keep a safe space cushion around the vehicle

Answer

Defensive driving means anticipating hazards ahead and maintaining safe space to respond without emergency manoeuvres.

Question 4

On a downhill gradient, which driving technique best prevents brake fade in a fully loaded coach?

Accepted Answer

Using a lower gear to provide engine braking rather than relying solely on the footbrake

Answer

Engine braking via a lower gear reduces brake temperature and prevents brake fade on descents.

Question 5

What is the stopping distance of a double-deck bus travelling at 30 mph on a wet road compared to a dry road?

Accepted Answer

About twice as long

Answer

On a wet road, stopping distances for large vehicles roughly double compared to dry conditions.

UK PCV Theory Practice Test