Licensing Categories and PCV Entitlements Flashcards

What is the role of the Traffic Commissioner in relation to PCV operators?

Answer: To grant, suspend, and revoke PSV operator licences and regulate drivers' conduct

Traffic Commissioners are the licensing authority for PSV operators and can take action against operators and drivers who fall short of required standards.

A driver passes their Category D test. What further qualification must they obtain before they can drive commercially?

Answer: An initial Driver CPC qualification (theory and practical tests)

New Category D drivers must pass the initial Driver CPC tests (theory case study and practical demonstration) before driving commercially.

What is a Section 19 permit and who can use one?

Answer: A permit allowing non-commercial bodies (charities, schools, community groups) to use a minibus for group transport without a full PSV operator licence

Section 19 permits allow not-for-profit organisations to operate minibuses for their own members without a PSV operator licence.

What happens to a PCV driver's licence if they accumulate 12 or more penalty points within 3 years?

Answer: They are disqualified from driving under the 'totting up' procedure

Accumulating 12 or more penalty points within 3 years triggers mandatory disqualification under the totting-up procedure.

What entitlement does a newly qualified Category D driver receive on their photocard licence by default?

Answer: Category D with automatic restriction (code 78) if tested in an automatic vehicle

If the Category D test is taken in an automatic transmission vehicle, code 78 (automatic vehicles only) is applied as a restriction.

How must a PCV driver respond if their employer asks them to drive a vehicle that they believe to be unroadworthy?

Answer: Refuse to drive the vehicle and report the defect in writing

A driver has a legal and professional duty to refuse to drive an unroadworthy vehicle and must report the defect formally.