UK PCV Case Studies flashcards

32 cards. Read the term and the definition here. The deck at the top of this page is optional.

PCV speed limit: single carriageway

In Great Britain, buses and coaches are limited to 50 mph on single carriageway roads, or a lower limit where signs show one.

PCV speed limit: dual carriageway

Buses and coaches may travel at up to 60 mph on dual carriageways in Great Britain unless signs or street lighting impose a lower limit.

PCV motorway speed limit

On motorways, buses and coaches are restricted to 70 mph, subject to any lower signed limit and to the vehicle's fitted speed limiter.

PCV speed limiter setting

Passenger-carrying vehicles first used on or after 1 January 2005 must have a speed limiter set to 100 km/h, which is about 62 mph.

Giving way to buses

Highway Code rule 223: give priority to a bus signalling to pull out from a bus stop when it is safe to do so.

Two-second following rule

Leave at least a two-second gap behind the vehicle ahead in dry weather, doubling it in rain and increasing it up to ten times on ice.

Level crossing procedure

Approach so you can stop, look and listen; only cross when there is space to clear the crossing completely and the signals allow.

PCV minimum tyre tread

Tyres on buses and coaches need at least 1 mm of tread across three-quarters of the tread width and around the whole circumference.

Daily walk-round check

A check carried out before first use each day covering tyres, lights, brakes, steering, mirrors, wipers, washers, horn, bodywork and emergency exits.

Defect reporting duty

Any defect found must be recorded in writing; a defect affecting safety must be put right before the vehicle is driven.

Air brake low-pressure warning

Build up air pressure until the warning goes out before moving off, check the system holds pressure, and drain the tanks daily.

Emergency exit requirements

Every emergency exit must be clearly marked, free from obstruction and able to be opened easily from both inside and outside the vehicle.

Group 2 medical frequency

Bus and coach drivers need a medical at 45, then every five years until 65, and every year from the age of 65.

Group 2 eyesight standard

At least 6/7.5 acuity in the better eye and 6/60 in the other, plus a field of vision of at least 160 degrees.

Plated gross vehicle weight

The maximum total weight the vehicle is designed to carry, shown on the plate; exceeding it, or an axle weight, is an offence.

Keeping gangways clear

The aisle, steps and all emergency exits must be kept free of luggage, equipment and obstructions so passengers can move and leave quickly.

Seat belts on coaches

Where seat belts are fitted, passengers aged three and over must wear them, and the driver must make sure they are told.

Standing passenger rule

Standing passengers may be carried only on vehicles designed and licensed for it, and only within the permitted capacity for that vehicle.

Securing a wheelchair

The wheelchair must be secured with an approved restraint and its occupant restrained, typically facing rearwards against a bulkhead, before moving off.

Luggage stowage rules

Store luggage in the hold or designated racks, place heavy items low, and never leave bags where they block the aisle or an exit.

Moving off with doors closed

Check mirrors and CCTV, confirm all doors are closed, and make sure the steps and platform are clear before pulling away from a stop.

Vehicle evacuation procedure

Stop in a safe place, switch off the engine, lead passengers through the nearest usable exits, move them well clear and call the emergency services.

PSV operator licence disc

The disc must be displayed in the windscreen of each vehicle on the licence and is evidence that the operator holds a PSV operator licence.

Producing documents within 7 days

If you cannot show a required document such as insurance or a test certificate at the roadside, you must produce it at a police station within seven days.

First PSV annual test

A new bus or coach is first tested 12 months after registration and then annually; the test certificate should be kept with the vehicle.

Insurance for hire or reward

Cover must include the carriage of passengers for hire or reward, and the certificate of insurance is the evidence produced to enforcement officers.

Driver Qualification Card

The DQC is proof of Driver CPC and must be carried by a professional bus or coach driver whenever they are driving professionally.

EU daily driving limit

No more than 9 hours of driving a day, which may be extended to 10 hours no more than twice in the same week.

Weekly and fortnightly driving limits

A driver may not exceed 56 hours of driving in one week or 90 hours of driving in any two consecutive weeks.

Break after 4.5 hours driving

After four and a half hours at the wheel take a 45-minute break, which may be split into a 15-minute break followed by 30 minutes.

Reduced daily rest

Daily rest is normally 11 hours but can be reduced to 9 hours up to three times between any two weekly rest periods.

Tachograph record retention

Operators must keep tachograph charts and printouts for 12 months, while drivers keep their own records for the current day and previous 28 days.