Safe Vehicle Loading Flashcards
6 cards from real PCV practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 6 Safe Vehicle Loading flashcards as text
What is the maximum permitted weight for a fully laden double-decker bus in the UK?
Answer: 18,000 kg
The maximum permitted weight for a fully laden double-decker bus in the UK is 18,000 kg (18 tonnes). This is set by Construction and Use regulations and must not be exceeded to ensure safe braking and road surface protection.
When loading luggage into a coach's luggage compartment, what should you check first?
Answer: That the compartment weight limit is not exceeded
Before loading luggage into a coach's luggage compartment, you must check that the compartment weight limit is not exceeded. Overloading individual compartments can affect the vehicle's stability and handling.
How should heavy items be positioned when loading a PCV?
Answer: Low down and near the centre of the vehicle
Heavy items should be positioned low down and near the centre of the vehicle. This keeps the centre of gravity low, improving stability and reducing the risk of the vehicle rolling over.
What documentation must a PCV driver have access to regarding the vehicle's weight limits?
Answer: The vehicle's plate showing maximum weights
A PCV must display a plate showing its maximum weights, including gross vehicle weight and individual axle weights. The driver must be familiar with these limits and ensure they are not exceeded.
You are driving a coach and notice the vehicle is pulling to one side. What could this indicate about the loading?
Answer: The load is unevenly distributed
A vehicle pulling to one side often indicates that the load is unevenly distributed. When more weight is on one side than the other, it causes the vehicle to drift in that direction.
What is the main risk of carrying standing passengers on the upper deck of a double-decker bus?
Answer: Raised centre of gravity increasing rollover risk
Standing passengers on the upper deck significantly raise the centre of gravity of the vehicle, greatly increasing the risk of rollover, especially during cornering or emergency braking.