PCV - Free Test #6

Tailgating is very dangerous because there isn't enough room to stop if an emergency arises. It's also intimidating for the driver that you're following.

Puffin crossings have sensors that detect when pedestrians are using the crossing. The sensors control the timing of the traffic lights, and this means that there's no flashing amber phase as there is with a pelican crossing.

Whenever passengers are on board, the interior lighting must be left on. It may be turned off when the bus is empty.

Air suspension provides a smoother journey than traditional suspension and transmits less vibration to the road surface, under-road services and nearby structures, such as bridges. It's considered to be environmentally friendly because it reduces damage to the road network.

The brushes are part of a spray-suppression system. They reduce the amount of water thrown up at the sides and rear of the vehicle. Check them regularly for security. If they become worn, make sure they're replaced.

Potholes and raised drain covers in the road can unsteady a motorcyclist. They may suddenly swerve to avoid these uneven surfaces. Watch out at places where the road is in poor condition and this is likely to occur.

Smoke from the engine compartment is very serious, as fire within a vehicle can spread very quickly. Your priority is to make sure that all passengers get off the bus as quickly and safely as possible.

Plan your overtaking carefully. The weight of your vehicle, combined with the restrictions imposed by a speed limiter, is likely to make your vehicle lose speed on uphill gradients. You should take this into consideration before attempting to overtake another moving vehicle.

Look out for signs above your lane or on the central reservation. These will give you importantn information or warnings about the road ahead. To allow for the high speed of motorway traffic, these signs may light up some distance from any hazard. Don't ignore the signs just because the road looks clear to you.

Under EU rules, the maximum number of hours that you can drive in any two consecutive weeks is 90 hours. These don't have to be split evenly, but the total amount of driving time in any one week mustn't exceed 56 hours. Don't exceed your driving hours; heavy fines can be given to drivers who break the law.

This traffic sign means no stopping on the main carriageway at any time, not even to set down passengers. However, you may stop in a lay-by.

Driving today requires all of your attention, all of the time. Any distraction, however brief, is dangerous. This is why it's illegal to use a hand-held mobile phone while you're driving.

A bus driver must never allow their passengers to ride on an open platform. Anyone standing on an open platform is at risk should the driver have to brake harshly, swerve or suddenly change direction.

All buses and coaches and most minibuses - depending on their weight - must have their parking lights switched on when they're parked on the road at night. Make sure that all your lights are clean and working properly.

You must show consideration to other road users. Elderly drivers may have slower reactions and they might need more time to deal with a situation. Be tolerant and don't lose patience or show your annoyance.

The most powerful and effective brake on the vehicle is the service brake, and this should be used in normal circumstances. Well-maintained brakes should apply an even pressure to all the wheels, providing an efficient, controlled stop.

Lift the pedestrian's leg so that the wound is higher than their heart. This should reduce the flow of blood. Check that the limb isn't broken and there's nothing in the wound before applying pressure over it.

When you have to straddle the lanes at small roundabouts or junctions, always signal in good time. Be alert for inexperienced road users who may, without realising, put themselves into a dangerous position.

Don't hurry elderly people across the road by getting too close to them or revving the engine. Be aware that they might take longer to cross. They might also have hearing difficulties and not hear you approaching.

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.

This sign is placed on sections of road where overtaking would be dangerous. There'll often be a plate underneath the sign, telling you how far the restriction extends. You mustn't overtake until you pass another sign cancelling the restriction.

Before leaving your vehicle parked, you must stop the engine. The parking brake must be set and the vehicle should be safe and secure when you leave the cab.

Before driving into a tunnel, you should take off your sunglasses. If you don't, you'll find that your vision is restricted - even in a tunnel that appears to be well lit.

The effect of your vehicle driving through a puddle will be to throw water onto the pavement. If there are pedestrians close by, they could be splashed with the water. Be considerate and, if it's safe to do so, avoid driving through the puddle.

Before changing direction, you should check your mirrors for any vehicles that may be overtaking. An overtaking driver or rider might not have seen the narrowing road ahead. You should let them get past before you move across to the right.

When changing or fitting new tyres, consider buying energy-saving tyres. These have a reduced rolling resistance and improved efficiency, which helps to keep fuel costs down.

You have priority over vehicles from the opposite direction. However, if a vehicle approaching from the opposite direction isn't going to stop, you should slow down and give way to avoid confrontation or an incident.

Keeping your vehicle's tyres in good condition will give them a good grip on the road and will improve the vehicle's overall stability. Each tyre must have at least the minimum legal depth of tread across three-quarters of its width. Renew tyres well before they wear to less than that.

At a traffic incident, the danger of further collisions and fire needs to be dealt with first. Then you should deal with injuries in this order: airway, breathing, compressions and bleeding. Don't remove a motorcyclist's helmet unless it's essential to do so.

If you're travelling on a long journey, plan your route before you leave. This will help you to

• be decisive at intersections and junctions
• plan your rest stops
• know approximately how long the journey will take.

Make sure that the vehicle you're travelling in is well ventilated. A warm, stuffy atmosphere can make you drowsy, which will impair your judgement and perception.