PCV - Free Test #1

Every bus must carry a fire extinguisher. Make sure that you know where it's located and how to use it, so that you're fully prepared in the event of a fire.

Leaving the filler cap off, or not properly securing it, could result in a spillage of diesel onto the road. Because diesel is slippery, this would be a major hazard, so make sure to correctly secure the filler cap after use.

If you wish to overtake a vehicle that's throwing up spray, move out earlier than normal. This will help to limit the reduction in vision that the rear spray will cause before you pass.

Very low speed is advisable to reduce damage to the rearmost tyres when the vehicle is on full lock. When you're driving around tight corners, the rear wheels will follow a different path from the front wheels. You should be alert to anything the rear wheels or bodywork might strike.

If passengers have access to your coach, it must never be left unattended. In particular, they mustn't be able to get into the cab area of the vehicle. You or another responsible person must always be there to supervise the coach.

Double red lines indicate that you're on a Red Route and in a no-stopping area. Red Routes also have single red lines, with signs showing the times that restrictions are in force. There are also parking and loading boxes, which have signs explaining the restrictions that apply.

Operators often publicise journeys as being comfortable, convenient and fast. You play an important part in delivering this standard of service.

Passengers need a properly lit area so they can move around safely.

When you're driving a long vehicle, you'll often need to straddle lanes to turn into narrow side roads. When you do this, watch out for smaller vehicles - especially motorcycles and cycles - trying to squeeze past on your inside.

When driving large vehicles, windscreen pillars and large mirrors can easily create blind spots as you look left and right at junctions. Altering your body position slightly while looking into the new road can give you an improved view of the traffic. If in doubt, look again and reassess the situation. Don't take chances.

Drivers queuing behind you may make hasty or ill-judged decisions in an effort to overtake. If you see a queue of traffic building up behind, give way as soon as you can do so safely by pulling in to the left.

Even the best-maintained vehicles accumulate a certain amount of grime around the engine. If this comes into contact with skin, it can cause irritation and may lead to conditions such as dermatitis. By wearing gloves, you can also keep your hands and cuffs clean to present a smart appearance to your customers.

Always check carefully for cyclists when emerging from a junction. Bicycles, being much narrower than any other vehicle, can be quite difficult to see.

After overtaking, check your nearside mirror carefully before moving back to the left. Don't rely on the other driver flashing their headlights, because only you can make the decision that it's safe.

You should be familiar with all the warning lights fitted to your vehicle. The oil warning light indicates low oil pressure or lack of oil. If it lights up, report the fault and don't continue until it's been corrected.

A kneeling bus uses air suspension to lower the front entrance, giving easier access for passengers. This is especially helpful for people who have difficulty climbing steps, are disabled or use wheelchairs. Make sure you're properly trained to use this equipment.

If you feel the onset of tiredness, you need to take a break. This might be at a motorway service station, but if there isn't one nearby you'll need to leave at the next exit and find a safe place to stop and rest.

It's essential to know the location of first-aid equipment, the fuel cut-off device and the fire extinguisher on every bus that you drive. Take time to familiarise yourself with their location whenever you drive a different vehicle. When you take your PCV test, you'll be asked questions on safety.

A full category D licence entitles you to drive all buses and coaches, including the articulated type. A full category D licence on its own doesn't cover you to drive buses or coaches drawing detachable trailers of more than 750 kg; for this you'll need a DE licence.

When seat belts are fitted to your vehicle, they must be worn unless you hold a valid medical exemption certificate. People making deliveries or collections in goods vehicles are also exempt, when they're travelling less than 50 metres (162 feet).

Air-brake systems rely on an engine-driven compressor to keep the reservoir tanks at their operating pressure. Coasting downhill and relying on the brakes to control your speed could result in the loss of sufficient air pressure to operate the brakes effectively.

The cyclist may not be able to get into a right-hand lane due to heavy traffic. Give them room, as they may not be taking the exit you expect.

Always plan well ahead before overtaking. Take into consideration the size of your vehicle and whether there's a gradient ahead. The load on your vehicle will slow you down on an uphill gradient. It may be better to wait until you're on the level before trying to overtake.

It's unfortunate, but machinery will sometimes break down despite the best efforts to service it. Don't risk the health and safety of a person with a disability, or other passengers, by struggling to get them on without the proper equipment.

A fault in the vacuum pump could be the cause of a stiff brake pedal. There could also be a leaking connection allowing air into the vacuum. Don't continue your journey until the fault has been fixed.

A bus equipped with a speed limiter must also be fitted with a plate showing the speed setting. This must be fitted in an obvious position, where it can be clearly seen.

Passengers are very vulnerable when they're standing in a moving vehicle. Inconsiderate use of the footbrake can easily cause them injury - especially if they're young or infirm. Some passengers may not wait until you've stopped before leaving their seat. If you seem to be in a hurry, they may even leave their seat early because they don't want to feel responsible for holding you up.

Plan well ahead to enable you to brake normally. Don't rely on anti-lock brakes to compensate for deficiencies in your driving.

This mirror offers the most benefit when you're manoeuvring in confined spaces. It shows you where your nearside front wheel is in relation to the kerb or a bay marking line.

Before leaving a construction site, check your vehicle for mud and for debris wedged between double rear wheels. It's important that you prevent any mud or debris from being deposited on the road, where it could be a danger to other road users.