PCV Health and Medical Fitness to Drive 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A roadside breath test following a collision shows a PCV driver is over the legal alcohol limit. What is the likely outcome?
- A fixed penalty notice only
- A 6-month licence suspension only
- Criminal prosecution, possible imprisonment and a driving ban (Correct answer)
- An informal warning and a licence endorsement
Correct answer: Criminal prosecution, possible imprisonment and a driving ban
Drink driving for a PCV driver is a criminal offence that can result in prosecution, possible imprisonment, and a driving disqualification.
Question 2: For how long must a person with epilepsy be seizure-free before they can hold a Group 2 PCV licence?
- 1 year
- 5 years
- 10 years off all anti-epileptic medication (Correct answer)
- 2 years
Correct answer: 10 years off all anti-epileptic medication
For a Group 2 licence, a person with epilepsy must be seizure-free for 10 years and off all anti-epileptic medication.
Question 3: Since 2011, can an insulin-treated diabetic hold a PCV licence?
- Yes, subject to strict annual medical review and DVLA assessment (Correct answer)
- No, under no circumstances
- Yes, with no special conditions attached
- Only for buses on rural routes with no more than 8 passengers
Correct answer: Yes, subject to strict annual medical review and DVLA assessment
Since 2011, insulin-treated diabetics may be eligible for a Group 2 licence provided they meet strict medical criteria and undergo annual review.
Question 4: What effect does even a small amount of alcohol have on a driver's ability?
- No measurable effect below the legal limit
- It temporarily improves confidence and reaction speed
- It impairs reaction time, judgement and co-ordination (Correct answer)
- It only affects drivers who are unaccustomed to drinking
Correct answer: It impairs reaction time, judgement and co-ordination
Even small amounts of alcohol impair reaction time, judgement and co-ordination, increasing the risk of a collision.
Question 5: A PCV driver recovers from a heart attack. What must happen before they return to driving?
- They can return once they feel well enough
- They must wait 4 weeks and inform their GP
- They must notify the DVLA and receive medical clearance before driving (Correct answer)
- They must complete an approved driving assessment course
Correct answer: They must notify the DVLA and receive medical clearance before driving
After a heart attack, a PCV driver must notify the DVLA and receive medical clearance before returning to driving duties.
Question 6: Which of the following is NOT a notifiable medical condition requiring a PCV driver to inform the DVLA?
- Diabetes requiring insulin
- Epilepsy
- A mild common cold (Correct answer)
- Obstructive sleep apnoea
Correct answer: A mild common cold
A mild common cold does not require notification to the DVLA, unlike conditions that could cause sudden incapacitation while driving.
Question 7: A PCV driver is suffering from a stomach bug that is causing them discomfort and reducing concentration. What should they consider before driving?
- Whether the illness affects their ability to control the vehicle and respond to emergencies safely (Correct answer)
- Taking over-the-counter medication and continuing their shift
- Informing their manager but driving as normal
- Reducing their speed by 10 mph as a precaution
Correct answer: Whether the illness affects their ability to control the vehicle and respond to emergencies safely
Any illness that affects concentration, reaction time or physical control must lead the driver to question whether they are fit to drive.
PCV Health and Medical Fitness to Drive 2
A roadside breath test following a collision shows a PCV driver is over the legal alcohol limit.
What is the likely outcome?