UK PCV Theory Motorway Driving Rules Questions and Answers

Question 1

You are driving a coach with an overall length of 14 metres on a UK motorway where no other speed limits are displayed. What is the maximum permitted speed for your vehicle?

Accepted Answer

60 mph

Answer

In the UK, the national speed limit on a motorway for a bus or coach that exceeds 12 metres in overall length is 60 mph. Vehicles not exceeding 12 metres may travel at 70 mph.

Question 2

You are driving a 15-tonne coach on a motorway with three lanes. Under normal traffic conditions, which lane are you prohibited from using?

Accepted Answer

The right-hand (overtaking) lane

Answer

According to the Highway Code, vehicles required to be fitted with a speed limiter, which includes all PCVs, are restricted from using the right-hand lane of a motorway that has three or more lanes. This rule applies under normal circumstances and is in place to maintain traffic flow.

Question 3

You experience a sudden tyre failure while driving your coach in the left-hand lane of a motorway. What should be your immediate and primary course of action?

Accepted Answer

Grip the steering wheel firmly, avoid harsh braking, and steer onto the hard shoulder if possible.

Answer

In the event of a tyre failure at speed, the correct procedure is to maintain control of the vehicle by holding the steering wheel firmly and avoiding any sudden braking or steering movements. The aim is to slow down gradually and move to a place of relative safety, such as the hard shoulder, as smoothly as possible.

Question 4

When driving your PCV on a smart motorway, what is the meaning of a red 'X' displayed on the gantry above a lane?

Accepted Answer

You MUST NOT drive in this lane as it is closed.

Answer

A red 'X' symbol on an overhead gantry on any motorway, including smart motorways, indicates that the lane is closed. Drivers MUST NOT proceed in a lane marked with a red 'X'. Ignoring this signal is illegal and dangerous.

Question 5

You are preparing to join a motorway from a slip road in your coach. What is the correct procedure?

Accepted Answer

Adjust your speed on the slip road to match that of traffic in the left-hand lane and merge when safe.

Answer

The Highway Code states that when joining a motorway, you must use the slip road to build up speed to match the traffic already on the motorway. You should give priority to traffic on the main carriageway and merge into a safe gap in the left-hand lane.

UK PCV Theory Practice Test

UK PCV Theory Practice Test

UK PCV Theory Motorway Driving Rules Questions and Answers