Mixed Deck — All PCV Topics Flashcards

A passenger is choking and cannot speak, cough, or breathe. What is the correct sequence of actions?

Answer: Give up to 5 back blows, then up to 5 abdominal thrusts, alternating until the blockage clears

The standard choking protocol is alternating between 5 back blows and 5 abdominal thrusts.

How should a driver record the result of a satisfactory walk-around check where no defects are found?

Answer: Sign the defect report form to confirm the check was completed with no defects

Even when no defects are found, the driver must sign the defect report form to confirm the check was completed.

What is a coach driver's responsibility regarding CCTV on the vehicle in the context of incidents?

Answer: The driver should inform the operator of any incident so CCTV footage can be preserved — CCTV systems may overwrite footage if not downloaded promptly

CCTV footage is vital evidence after incidents. Drivers must report incidents promptly to allow the operator to download and preserve footage before it is overwritten. Delayed reporting can result in the loss of evidence that protects both the operator and the driver.

A parent boards your bus with a young child in a pushchair. What should you advise them?

Answer: The pushchair can remain unfolded in the wheelchair space if no wheelchair user needs it, with brakes applied

Pushchairs can remain in the wheelchair space with brakes applied, but wheelchair users take priority for that space.

What is the correct procedure if your PCV breaks down on a motorway?

Answer: Pull onto the hard shoulder (or emergency refuge area), switch on hazard lights, evacuate passengers to behind the barrier on the verge side, and call for assistance

Move to the hard shoulder or emergency refuge area if possible. Switch on hazard lights. Evacuate passengers from the nearside (left) door and direct them to stand behind the barrier away from the carriageway. Use the emergency telephone or mobile to contact Highways England and your depot.

What is the requirement for PCV drivers regarding tachograph use when carrying passengers?

Answer: EU drivers' hours and tachograph rules apply to PCV drivers operating vehicles over 9 passenger seats on routes over 50 km — driver must use a tachograph

PCV drivers operating vehicles with more than 9 seats on journeys over 50 km are generally subject to EU drivers' hours rules and must use a tachograph. Many local bus operations are exempt, but coaches and long-distance services typically require tachograph use.

What must a PCV driver do after any road traffic accident involving the vehicle?

Answer: Stop, give name and vehicle details to anyone with reasonable grounds to request them, report to police within 24 hours if required, and complete an incident report

After any road accident, the driver must stop, provide their name, address, vehicle registration, and insurance details to anyone with reasonable grounds to request them. If injury occurs and details were not exchanged at the scene, the incident must be reported to police within 24 hours.

What does a circular sign with a red border showing a bus symbol and the word 'except' mean?

Answer: No vehicles except buses

A prohibition sign (red circle) with a vehicle restriction but showing 'except buses' means the restriction applies to all vehicles EXCEPT buses. PCV drivers may proceed through this restriction.

You see a clearway sign (a red 'X' on a blue background). What restriction does this impose on your PCV?

Answer: No stopping at any time, including for passenger boarding

A clearway sign means no stopping at any time on the carriageway, including for picking up or setting down passengers. This applies to all vehicles including PCVs, though bus stops within a clearway are exempted.

You are driving on a dual carriageway when a car suddenly pulls out from a side road into your path, forcing you to brake sharply. What is the most appropriate attitude to adopt immediately after this near-miss incident?

Answer: Remain calm, focus on maintaining a safe space around your vehicle, and continue your journey professionally.

The primary duty is to maintain safety for yourself and your passengers. Retaliating aggressively increases the risk of a further, more serious incident. The most professional attitude is to de-escalate, stay calm, and refocus on defensive driving to ensure the rest of the journey is safe.

What is a primary safety risk of significantly overloading the rear axle of a PCV?

Answer: The steering can become light and less responsive.

Overloading the rear axle can create a pivot effect, reducing the weight on the front wheels. This lessens the tyres' grip on the road, which can make the steering feel dangerously light and unresponsive, particularly during manoeuvres.

What is the maximum daily driving time for a PCV driver under EU rules?

Answer: 9 hours (extendable to 10 hours twice per week)

EU Regulation 561/2006 applies to PCV drivers on applicable services. The daily limit is 9 hours, extendable to 10 hours no more than twice per week, the same as for LGV drivers.

What is a 'PSV' (Public Service Vehicle) as defined in UK transport law?

Answer: A motor vehicle adapted to carry more than 8 passengers for hire or reward

Under the Public Passenger Vehicles Act 1981, a PSV is a motor vehicle with more than 8 passenger seats used for hire or reward. The number of passengers carried and the arrangement for payment determine whether a vehicle is a PSV.

What is the minimum contents a PSV first aid kit must include under UK regulations?

Answer: At least disposable gloves, plasters, sterile dressings, bandages, and guidance card — as specified in the PSV first aid kit standard

PSV first aid kits must contain a specified minimum set of items including dressings, bandages, disposable gloves, and a guidance card.

What mode should a tachograph be set to when the driver is waiting at a bus terminus between scheduled journeys?

Answer: Availability (POA)

Periods of availability (POA) cover times when the driver is waiting but must remain available — such as at a terminus.

Under domestic drivers' hours rules in Great Britain, what is the maximum daily driving time for a PCV driver?

Answer: 10 hours

Under GB domestic rules, the daily driving limit is 10 hours.

What is a 'route registration' for a local bus service?

Answer: A formal registration with the Traffic Commissioner required before operating a local bus service — specifying route, timetable, and stops

Local bus services must be registered with the Traffic Commissioner at least 56 days before commencing operation. The registration specifies the route, timetable, stopping places, and fares. Changes also require 56 days notice.

What is an 'operator's licence disc' and where must it be displayed?

Answer: A disc issued by the Traffic Commissioner that must be displayed in every PSV while it is being used in accordance with the licence

An operator's licence disc (O-disc) is issued for each vehicle authorised under a PSV operator's licence. It must be prominently displayed in the vehicle (typically in the windscreen). Using a PSV without a valid disc is an offence.

What is the primary benefit of route optimisation for reducing a bus fleet's environmental impact?

Answer: It reduces unnecessary mileage, cutting fuel consumption and emissions

Route optimisation reduces total distance travelled, directly cutting fuel use, emissions, and operating costs.

What document must a driver complete when they find a defect during a walk-around check?

Answer: A defect report form

The driver must complete a defect report form and hand it to the operator.