PCV - Free Test #5

Nobody likes to be late, but you shouldn't let the pressure of your timetable make you feel you have to rush people. Being pleasant to your passengers and showing them some common courtesies will encourage them to use your service again.

Mandatory speed-limit signs above the hard shoulder and all other lanes show that you're on a smart motorway. In this case, you can use the hard shoulder as a running lane. You must stay within the speed limit shown. Look well ahead for any vehicles that have broken down and are blocking the hard shoulder.

Don't park where you would endanger or inconvenience others. If your choice of parking place obstructs drivers, riders or pedestrians, move to a more suitable area.

Parking on the yellow zigzag lines will block the view of the school entrance. This will endanger the lives of children wanting to cross the road on their way to and from school.

Driving at high speed on a wet motorway can throw up dense spray, making it very difficult for other drivers to see ahead. Driving more slowly reduces the amount of spray and this makes it safer for other drivers.

At the scene of an incident, first make sure there's no danger of further collisions or fire before dealing with any casualties. The priority when dealing with an unconscious person is to make sure they can breathe. This may involve clearing their airway if they're having difficulty or there's an obvious obstruction. Don't remove a motorcyclist's helmet unless it's essential, as you could cause them serious injury.

If your vehicle is fitted with a seat belt, you must wear it unless you're exempt for medical reasons. You may also remove it before a reverse manoeuvre. If the fitting of the belt is uncomfortable and it prevents you from obtaining a safe driving position, report this to your employer.

An articulated bus, commonly known as a 'bendy bus', isn't considered to be a bus towing a trailer. Therefore, it can be driven on a category D licence.

Always allow plenty of time for your journey, in case of unforeseen problems such as punctures, breakdowns, road closures or diversions. You'll feel less stressed and less inclined to take risks if you're not under time pressure.

You can reduce the chance of a breakdown with routine maintenance and regular checks on your vehicle.

It's dangerous to drive a vehicle with low air pressure. To alert you to this, all vehicles are fitted with a warning light and/or buzzer. Don't move your vehicle if this warning shows or sounds.

Stay back and allow the cyclist to proceed. You mustn't cut across in front of them. Also be aware of any cyclists who may try to pass on your left as you slow for the turn.

Drinking alcohol will reduce your ability to drive safely. One drink is too many if you're going to drive.

On regular services, traffic congestion can soon put you behind schedule. Nevertheless, you have a responsibility to your passengers at all times not to take shortcuts or jeopardise their safety; for example, by driving off while you're still issuing tickets.

These signals can be found at level crossings, some airfields, bridges and emergency access sites. You must stop if the red lights are flashing. At level crossings, if the lights continue to flash after a train has passed, continue to wait because another train is coming.

Horse riders often keep to the outside of the roundabout even if they're turning right. Give them room in case they have to cross lanes of traffic.

You don't know what the driver of this car will do. Be prepared for any hazard. The driver may not have seen you. Planning ahead will allow you to be in the correct gear and at the correct speed to cope if this hazard develops.

Make allowances for cyclists. Allow them plenty of room, and be aware that they also have to deal with hazards. They might swerve or change direction suddenly to avoid uneven road surfaces.

Your vehicle will handle very differently when it's full, compared with when it's empty. Having 75 passengers on board would increase the weight of the bus by about 5 tonnes - and the passengers may also have luggage. It will take longer to build up speed and the vehicle will be more difficult to stop. Forward planning and controlled braking will be required to allow for this extra weight.

Pedestrians use push-button controls to activate the signals. Pelican crossings have no red-and-amber stage before green. Instead, they have a flashing amber light. This means you must give way to pedestrians on the crossing, but you may proceed if the crossing is clear.

Your head restraint should be adjusted so that, in the event of a collision, it protects your neck from whiplash injury.

Always get expert advice when dealing with tyres. It's good practice to have a new valve fitted when replacing a tubeless tyre. Good garages and specialist tyre services know the regulations.

When starting an engine fitted with an engine management system, you don't need to press the accelerator, because the engine management system automatically regulates the fuel/air supply. Using the accelerator at start-up wastes fuel, causes increased engine noise and is harmful to the environment.

Air-brake systems are fitted with a warning device that operates if the air pressure in the tanks drops below a safe level. There may be a warning buzzer and/or pressure gauges. You must be aware of the function of all gauges on your vehicle, and check them as you drive.

Sometimes other drivers or riders make a mistake. If this happens, try not to let it worry you. Don't react by sounding the horn, flashing your headlights or shouting at the other driver; it won't help the situation. A professional driver will remain calm and stay focused on their driving.

Children can be unpredictable, and when they're in groups they may fool around and push each other into the road. You should drive with extreme caution when you're near them. You need to be ready to stop suddenly.

During high winds, one of the lanes on a high bridge might be closed to traffic to create a buffer lane. The buffer lane is kept free to prevent vehicles from being blown into the path of other road users in the next lane. The closure of this lane may cause traffic congestion and delay.