UK PCV Theory Accident and Breakdown Procedures Questions and Answers

Question 1

Your coach suffers a sudden breakdown on a 'smart' motorway which has no hard shoulder. What is your primary objective?

Accepted Answer

Attempt to steer the vehicle into a designated Emergency Refuge Area (ERA).

Answer

On a smart motorway without a hard shoulder, the safest place to stop is a designated Emergency Refuge Area (ERA). Stopping in a live lane should only be a last resort if the vehicle cannot be moved. Evacuating in a live lane is extremely dangerous, as is stopping in the central reservation.

Question 2

You have been forced to stop your bus on the carriageway of a single-carriageway A-road due to a mechanical fault. According to the Highway Code, what is the correct procedure regarding the use of a red warning triangle?

Accepted Answer

It should be placed at least 45 metres (147 feet) behind the vehicle.

Answer

The Highway Code, rule 274, states that for a breakdown on a non-motorway road, you should put a warning triangle on the road at least 45 metres (147 feet) behind your broken-down vehicle on the same side of the road.

Question 3

You discover a fire has broken out in the passenger cabin of your bus. After stopping in a safe location, what must be your first and most immediate action?

Accepted Answer

Safely and calmly evacuate all passengers from the vehicle.

Answer

In any fire situation involving a PCV, the overriding priority is the safety of the passengers. The first action must always be to evacuate everyone to a safe place, well away from the vehicle, before any other action is taken.

Question 4

Following a road traffic collision, a police officer asks you to produce your certificate of motor insurance, but you do not have it with you. What is the legal requirement in this situation?

Accepted Answer

You will be given a form (HORT/1) and must produce it at a police station within 7 days.

Answer

Under Section 165 of the Road Traffic Act 1988, if you cannot produce documents like your insurance certificate at the roadside, a police officer will issue a form (often called a 'producer' or HORT/1) requiring you to present them at a nominated police station within 7 days.

Question 5

Your coach breaks down inside a well-lit road tunnel where there is no fire. After stopping and activating your hazard lights, what is the correct advice to give to your passengers?

Accepted Answer

Remain on the vehicle with their seatbelts on and await instructions.

Answer

In the event of a breakdown in a tunnel without a fire, official advice is for everyone to remain in the vehicle. This is because the enclosed environment presents significant dangers from traffic and fumes. You should switch off the engine and await rescue services. Evacuation is only for a fire emergency.

UK PCV Theory Practice Test

UK PCV Theory Practice Test

UK PCV Theory Accident and Breakdown Procedures Questions and Answers