Kenya NTSA PSV Bus Test key terms

A device fitted to a PSV that automatically limits the vehicle's maximum speed, helping the driver stay within legal speed limits and reducing the severity of crashes.

A licence issued by the relevant authority permitting a vehicle to be used for hire or reward carrying passengers, subject to conditions on route, capacity and safety equipment.

An authorisation allowing a PSV to operate on a specific route or corridor, often with conditions on stops, timings and vehicle type.

A document confirming a vehicle has passed the required inspection and is considered mechanically fit to carry passengers on public roads for a stated period.

A periodic or roadside examination of a vehicle's brakes, steering, tyres, lights, body and safety equipment to confirm it is safe to operate.

The systematic inspection a driver performs before starting a trip, covering tyres, brakes, lights, fluids, doors, mirrors, fire extinguisher and emergency exits.

A physical circuit of the bus made by the driver before departure to look and listen for defects such as leaks, loose panels, damaged tyres or faulty lamps.

The measured depth of grooves on a tyre; too little tread reduces grip on wet roads and increases aquaplaning risk, so legal minimums must be maintained.

Loss of tyre contact with the road caused by a layer of water between tyre and surface, leading to reduced steering and braking control.

The gap a driver keeps behind the vehicle ahead, measured in seconds; a safe gap allows time to react and stop if traffic slows suddenly.

A simple method of maintaining a safe gap by counting at least two seconds between the vehicle ahead passing a fixed point and your own vehicle reaching it.

The total distance travelled from the moment a hazard is noticed until the vehicle comes to rest, combining thinking distance and braking distance.

The distance a vehicle travels while the brakes are applied and slowing to a stop, affected by speed, load, road surface and brake condition.

Slowing a vehicle by releasing the accelerator and using the engine's compression resistance, useful on long descents to avoid overheating the service brakes.

A temporary loss of braking power caused by overheating of brake components after repeated or prolonged use, common on steep descents with heavy loads.

Choosing the appropriate gear for the road speed and gradient so the engine and brakes share the workload and the vehicle stays controlled.

An area around the bus that the driver cannot see through mirrors or direct vision, requiring careful shoulder checks before changing lanes or turning.

The routine use of interior and exterior mirrors to monitor traffic, passengers and the vehicle's position before manoeuvring or slowing.

A sequence of mirror checks, signal, blind-spot check and smooth movement used to change lanes safely without cutting off other road users.

A style of driving that anticipates hazards and other road users' mistakes, keeping space and time to respond safely rather than relying on others' compliance.

The ability to identify developing risks early, such as pedestrians near the kerb, stopped vehicles or poor visibility, and to plan a safe response.

Physical and mental tiredness that slows reaction time and judgement; drivers must rest, share driving where possible, and never continue while drowsy.

A scheduled period of rest away from the driving seat that restores alertness and is required under driving-time rules for PSV operations.

The maximum time a driver may spend driving within a working period, set to limit fatigue and ensure adequate rest between trips.

A restraint fitted to seats that holds occupants in place during sudden braking or impact; passengers and the driver must use them where provided.

A short explanation given to passengers before or at the start of a trip covering seat belts, emergency exits, fire extinguisher location and behaviour expectations.

A marked door, window or hatch designed for rapid evacuation of the bus, which must be unobstructed, clearly labelled and operable from inside.

The organised removal of passengers from a bus in an emergency, carried out calmly with exits used in order and passengers moved to a safe place.

A portable device carried on the bus for tackling small fires; the driver should know its location, type and how to use it safely.

Carrying more passengers or weight than the vehicle is designed or licensed for, which reduces stability, braking performance and tyre safety.

The way weight is spread across the vehicle's axles and floor; uneven or excessive loading can affect steering, braking and rollover risk.

A crash in which the vehicle tips onto its side or roof, often caused by excessive speed in a turn, sudden swerving or top-heavy loading.

Immediate basic care given to an injured person before professional help arrives, including airway, breathing, bleeding control and keeping the person warm.

A stable side-lying position used for an unconscious but breathing casualty to keep the airway open and reduce the risk of choking.

A structured check of an injured person's responsiveness, airway, breathing, circulation and visible injuries to prioritise first aid actions.

Actions taken to prevent further harm at a collision site, such as warning other traffic, switching on hazard lights and moving people to safety.

Recording and notifying the required details of a crash or serious incident to the police and operator, including time, location, parties and injuries.

The operator's duty to meet licensing, maintenance, driver and record-keeping requirements so that PSV services are safe and lawful.