UK PCV Theory Test Daily Checks and Maintenance 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: During your walk-around check you notice that several plastic wheel-nut rotation indicators are no longer aligned with each other. What does this indicate?
- The wheel nuts may have loosened since they were last tightened (Correct answer)
- The tyres need to be rotated to even out wear
- The vehicle has recently had its wheels balanced
- The hub caps require replacement
Correct answer: The wheel nuts may have loosened since they were last tightened
Wheel-nut rotation indicators are fitted so that any movement of a nut causes the pointer to move out of alignment with its neighbours. Misalignment is a warning that nuts may have worked loose, which is a serious safety hazard requiring immediate attention before the vehicle is driven.
Question 2: When carrying out your daily engine oil level check, what is the correct condition of the vehicle before taking the reading?
- Engine running at normal operating temperature
- Immediately after switching off a fully warmed engine
- On level ground with the engine switched off and oil settled (Correct answer)
- With the engine idling in neutral
Correct answer: On level ground with the engine switched off and oil settled
The dipstick must be read with the engine off so oil has drained back into the sump and is not circulating or splashing. The vehicle must also be on level ground to ensure an accurate reading; a slope will give a false high or low indication.
Question 3: Under UK regulations, what is the minimum capacity dry-powder fire extinguisher that must be carried on a PCV used for the public carriage of passengers?
- 1 kg
- 2 kg (Correct answer)
- 5 kg
- No specific minimum is prescribed
Correct answer: 2 kg
UK PSV (Public Service Vehicle) regulations require that PCVs carry at least a 2 kg dry-powder fire extinguisher (or an approved equivalent). It must be in a serviceable condition, properly mounted, and accessible to the driver or crew.
Question 4: While building air pressure after starting the engine, you notice the low-pressure warning buzzer and light remain active and the gauge does not reach the required operating level. What is the correct action?
- Drive carefully to the nearest workshop to have it checked
- Switch the engine off, report the defect, and take the vehicle out of service (Correct answer)
- Continue driving as the system will pressurise once moving
- Drain the air reservoirs and restart the engine
Correct answer: Switch the engine off, report the defect, and take the vehicle out of service
An air-brake system that fails to reach operating pressure means the brakes may not perform correctly. The vehicle must not be driven until the fault is diagnosed and repaired. Driving with defective air brakes risks total brake failure and is illegal.
Question 5: Which of the following must you verify is in correct working order and completely unobstructed as part of your daily PCV pre-departure check?
- The driver's storage compartment
- All emergency exit doors and their release mechanisms (Correct answer)
- The rear luggage hold lighting only
- Passenger seat-cover fastenings
Correct answer: All emergency exit doors and their release mechanisms
Emergency exits — including rear doors, roof hatches, and side emergency windows — must open freely from both inside and outside, be clearly marked, and have clear gangway access. Blocked or defective emergency exits endanger lives if evacuation is needed.
Question 6: While inspecting PCV tyres during your daily check, which of the following defects would make the vehicle UNFIT to drive?
- Light surface scuffing confined to the outer sidewall with no structural damage
- A valve cap missing from one tyre
- A cut on the sidewall that exposes the ply or cord beneath (Correct answer)
- Tyre pressure that is 5 psi below the recommended level
Correct answer: A cut on the sidewall that exposes the ply or cord beneath
Any cut, lump, bulge, or tear that exposes the ply or cord of a tyre is a serious structural defect that makes the tyre illegal and dangerous. Such a tyre is liable to sudden blow-out and the vehicle must not be used until the tyre is replaced.
UK PCV Theory Test Daily Checks and Maintenance 1
During your walk-around check you notice that several plastic wheel-nut rotation indicators are no longer aligned with each other.
What does this indicate?