PCV Vehicle Checks and Daily Inspection 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the correct action if the low air pressure warning light illuminates while the bus is moving?
- Drive slowly to the depot to save time
- Stop the vehicle safely as soon as possible and do not move until pressure is restored (Correct answer)
- Switch on the hazard lights and continue to the next stop
- Pump the brake pedal repeatedly to build pressure
Correct answer: Stop the vehicle safely as soon as possible and do not move until pressure is restored
A low air pressure warning means the braking system may be compromised — the driver must stop safely immediately.
The low air pressure warning light and buzzer indicate that system pressure has dropped below the safe threshold (approximately 4.5 bar). The driver must bring the vehicle to a safe stop immediately. Continuing to drive risks brake failure. The vehicle must not be moved until the fault is identified and pressure restored to a safe level.
Question 2: When inspecting tyres, what should you check in addition to tread depth?
- Only the tread depth and tyre brand
- Tread depth, tyre pressure, sidewall condition, and any cuts or bulges (Correct answer)
- Only tyre pressure using a gauge
- The tyre date code to ensure they are less than 5 years old
Correct answer: Tread depth, tyre pressure, sidewall condition, and any cuts or bulges
A full tyre check covers tread depth, correct inflation pressure, sidewall condition, and absence of cuts, bulges, or embedded objects.
During a walk-around check, the driver should inspect each tyre for correct inflation pressure (using a calibrated gauge if possible), sufficient tread depth across the legal minimum area, no cuts deeper than 25% of the ply depth, no bulges or deformation, and no embedded foreign objects. Any concern must be reported as a defect.
Question 3: Which of the following lights must you check are working before driving a bus?
- Headlights and hazard lights only
- All exterior lights including headlights, sidelights, brake lights, indicators, and reversing lights (Correct answer)
- Only the lights that are required during the driver's shift hours
- Interior reading lights and destination display
Correct answer: All exterior lights including headlights, sidelights, brake lights, indicators, and reversing lights
All exterior mandatory lights must be checked as part of the pre-drive inspection.
The walk-around check must include verifying that all legally required exterior lights work: headlights (main and dipped beam), sidelights, rear lights, brake lights, indicators (both sides), hazard lights, reversing lights, and, where fitted, fog lights. A faulty brake light or indicator is a roadworthy defect.
Question 4: How often must a public service vehicle undergo a mandatory safety inspection (SI) under its operator licence maintenance regime?
- Every 2 years at MOT
- At intervals no greater than those specified in the operator's maintenance schedule, typically every 6–8 weeks for coaches (Correct answer)
- Once a year alongside the annual test
- Whenever the driver reports a defect
Correct answer: At intervals no greater than those specified in the operator's maintenance schedule, typically every 6–8 weeks for coaches
PSVs must undergo regular planned preventative maintenance (PPM) safety inspections at intervals determined by the operator but typically every 6–8 weeks.
Under operator licence conditions, PSVs must be maintained to a roadworthy standard via planned preventative maintenance (PPM). The Traffic Commissioners expect safety inspections at intervals no greater than those stated in the maintenance schedule — commonly every 6–8 weeks for coaches and every 4–6 weeks for heavily used urban buses. These are separate from the annual vehicle test.
Question 5: You find that the nearside close-vision mirror is cracked and distorting the view. What should you do?
- Drive with extra care and report it at day's end
- Tape the crack and continue driving
- Record a defect and do not move the vehicle until the mirror is replaced or safely secured (Correct answer)
- Only use the offside mirror for the shift
Correct answer: Record a defect and do not move the vehicle until the mirror is replaced or safely secured
A cracked close-vision mirror is a safety defect and must be reported; the vehicle should not be used until it is repaired.
Close-vision (kerb) mirrors are a legal requirement for larger PSVs and any damage affecting their usefulness makes the vehicle unroadworthy. The driver must record the defect, notify the operator, and the vehicle must not depart until the mirror is replaced or the defect is otherwise resolved. Temporary fixes like tape are not acceptable for a safety-critical mirror.
Question 6: What level of engine coolant should you see when conducting a pre-journey check?
- Above the maximum mark
- Between the minimum and maximum marks on the coolant reservoir (Correct answer)
- At the minimum mark only
- Just below the minimum mark is acceptable for short journeys
Correct answer: Between the minimum and maximum marks on the coolant reservoir
Engine coolant must be between the MIN and MAX marks on the reservoir.
During a pre-drive check, the engine coolant level in the reservoir should be between the minimum and maximum marks when the engine is cold. A level below the minimum mark indicates a possible leak and must be reported as a defect. Overfilling can cause pressure issues. The check should be made on a level surface with a cold engine for accuracy.
PCV Vehicle Checks and Daily Inspection 2
What is the correct action if the low air pressure warning light illuminates while the bus is moving?