In this free PCV theory test you have 50 questions to answer, each question has four possible answers, just choose the one you think is correct.
You have 57 minutes to complete the test. (The full length Pro version has 100 questions in 115 minutes).
The clock will appear in the bottom right hand corner of your screen.
You need to score at least 43 to pass. Good luck!
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#1. By how much can your stopping distance increase in icy weather?
It’s vital that you give yourself enough separation distance when driving on icy roads – ten times as much as in normal conditions. You should brake gently to reduce the risk of losing control.
#2. What should you consider when planning a route for your journey?
You should plan your route to avoid vehicle width, height and weight restrictions that would affect your vehicle and load. Planning to avoid busy times can also reduce journey times and fuel costs.
#3. What does this sign mean?
If you see this sign, be aware that there’s a danger of grounding. This can happen where there’s a pronounced bump in the road, such as at a level crossing or a hump bridge.
#4. What does this sign mean?
As well as a height restriction, the tunnel may have a restriction on the available width of headroom for high vehicles. The advance warning gives you the opportunity to find another route if your vehicle is too high or wide to drive through the tunnel.
#5. In which of these places might there be a restriction on vehicles over a certain length?
Look out for restrictions on long vehicles. Length restrictions are found where there isn’t much room to turn (for example, in a tunnel) or where there’s a risk of grounding.
#6. What type of road surface will increase your stopping distance by up to ten times?
To prevent your wheels from locking, you’ll need to brake very gently on ice. Give yourself as much room and time as possible to stop. If your front wheels lock, you can’t steer, and that will mean you can’t avoid any obstacle in your path.
#7. You're driving a long vehicle on a two-lane road. What should you do if you want to turn left into a narrow side road?
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.
#8. Who must you tell when your vehicle collides with a bridge?
Hitting a bridge with your vehicle can have serious consequences for road and rail traffic. You must tell the police about the incident immediately. If the bridge is a railway bridge, call the railway authority as well as the police to report the incident.
#9. What should you check when you've just overtaken a motorcyclist on a motorway?
When overtaking with a long vehicle, it’s very important to be aware of the position of the road user you’re passing. Check the nearside mirror to make sure you’ve passed safely before returning to the left. Be especially careful when overtaking motorcyclists, as they may be affected by the draught from your vehicle.
#10. What does this sign mean?
You need to know the length of your vehicle as well as its weight, height and width. Places where the length of your vehicle may be relevant are:
- road tunnels
- level crossings
- ferries
- bridges.
#11. What does this sign mean?*
The road is about to narrow on both sides, you need to be more aware of any overtaking or oncoming traffic.
#12. When will the vehicle you are driving be at its most stable?*
A vehicle is most stable when travelling in a straight line under gentle acceleration. Sudden acceleration, steering or braking can cause loss of control. For maximum control and the comfort and safety of your passengers, keep your driving as smooth as possible.
#13. What does a D1 category licence allow you to drive?
The D1 category allows you to drive any bus with 9 to 16 passenger seats for hire or reward.
#14. What does this sign mean?
Always be aware of the height of the vehicle you’re driving, particularly if you drive different vehicles. If you use a sat-nav, it may show you the height and weight limits on UK roads.
#15. The front of your bus overhangs well past the front wheels. Why should you allow for this when cornering?
The front of a bus or coach often extends well beyond the front wheels. Make allowances for this when turning. Try to avoid overhanging the pavement where possible, but if you have to do this, look out for fences, posts, traffic signs, etc. Be especially careful where pedestrians are present; for example, in bus stations.
#16. What's the minimum height of an unmarked bridge?
If a height isn’t shown on the bridge, the headroom (in the UK) will be at least 5 metres (16 feet 6 inches).
#17. How would you know that a weight-limit sign doesn't apply to the bus you're driving?
Some weight restrictions apply to heavy goods vehicles only and not to passenger-carrying vehicles. Look for a plate beneath a restriction sign that indicates this. Road signs show weight restrictions in various ways. You should make yourself familiar with all of them, so that you’re in no doubt about their meaning and relevance.
#18. The height of your vehicle is 4.2 metres (14 feet). What should you do as you approach this bridge?
The headroom under bridges in the UK is at least 5 metres (16 feet 6 inches) unless marked otherwise. However, this might refer only to the highest point of an arch.
If your vehicle hits a bridge, you must report the incident to the police. If a railway bridge is involved, you must also report it to the railway authority.
#19. Where can the axle weight limits be found?
Individual axle weights are shown on the vehicle plate. This can be found in a prominent place on both the vehicle and trailer.
#20. You're driving a bus on a local service. When can you use this lane?
As a local-service bus driver, you may use the bus lane at any time. The restrictions apply to other road users, to keep the lane clear for you at peak times. Don’t be tempted to speed when driving up the inside of slow-moving or stationary traffic. Be alert for pedestrians who may be trying to cross the road.
#21. You've been stopped at a roadside check. What would staff from the environmental health department be checking?
Local-authority environmental health departments check vehicles’ exhaust emissions. They have the power to prosecute the driver and the operator, as do enforcement bodies such as DVSA.
#22. What's the most likely reason for a diesel-engined vehicle running erratically in very cold weather?
If diesel fuel becomes very cold, it can partially solidify. Additives are used by the fuel companies to try to prevent this. Any solidifying (waxing) of the fuel can prevent it from flowing properly and cause the engine to run erratically or even stop.
#23. What do bells hanging across the road warn drivers of?
If your vehicle touches bells suspended over the road, they’ll obviously ring. This will warn you that your vehicle exceeds the safe travelling height beneath electrified overhead cables ahead. You must stop immediately and either find another route or take advice.
#24. What does this motorway sign mean?
Warning lights show when there’s danger ahead. This includes – lane closures – incidents – fog – icy roads.
#25. Your vehicle is more than 3 metres (9 feet 10 inches) high. Where is this information displayed?
It’s a legal requirement that information about a vehicle’s height can be seen by the driver from their seat. It’s important to know the height of your vehicle so that you can avoid any height restrictions on your route.
#26. You're driving on a motorway and you see this sign. What does it mean?
Look out for variable-message warning signs telling you about – lane closures – speed limits – hazards. When you’re clear of the restriction, you’ll see a sign telling you that it has ended.
#27. A bus has stopped at a bus stop ahead of you. What should you do if its right-hand indicator is flashing?
If a bus is signalling to move off, give it priority as long as it’s safe to do so. Look for pedestrians who have left the bus and may be trying to cross the road.
#28. As a guide, how many passengers equal 1 tonne?
Your bus will move away more slowly and handle differently when fully laden with passengers and their luggage. You’ll have to make allowances for this, especially when moving off uphill.
#29. When should you allow for the effects of a speed limiter?
Forward planning is important whenever you consider overtaking another road user. You should carefully assess the speed of the vehicle you intend to overtake. Remember that your vehicle’s speed is limited and this could considerably increase the distance and time needed to complete the manoeuvre safely.
#30. Where can you park large vehicles at night without needing to use parking lights?
Off-road lorry and coach parks are often well lit and patrolled by police or security firms. Never leave your vehicle unlit on a public road or in a lay-by after dark.
#31. You're driving a long vehicle. What should you do when you want to turn right at a painted mini-roundabout?
When turning at a mini-roundabout, it’s unlikely that you’ll be able to avoid going over the marked area. You should, however, avoid going over the roundabout where possible.
#32. Your bus is fitted with seat belts. When should passengers wear them?
As the driver of a bus, you may be responsible for several passengers at any given time. If a situation occurs where you have to brake or steer harshly, your passengers could be thrown about the vehicle. In these circumstances, there’s a significant risk of injury from fittings on board, such as luggage racks, handrails and poles. If seat belts are provided for passengers, they should wear them.
#33. You're driving in wet conditions. What should you try to do before braking?
If you need to brake when the road surface is wet, do so while your vehicle is travelling in a straight line. This will reduce the risk of skidding. As a professional driver, you should routinely brake in good time, so that you don’t brake and change direction at the same time.
#34. What's the maximum speed allowed for a vehicle towing a trailer on a motorway?
Vehicles towing caravans or trailers on motorways are limited in two ways – the maximum speed is 60 mph – on motorways with more than two lanes, towing vehicles aren’t allowed in the outside lane, unless other lanes are closed.
#35. What should be your main concern as you approach this sign?
At hump bridges, there’s a risk of long vehicles grounding. If you aren’t sure whether the floor of your vehicle will clear the bridge, find another route.
#36. What category of licence is required to drive an articulated bus?
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 D E licence.
#37. Where can a driver find their vehicle's unladen weight recorded?
The driver of a passenger-carrying vehicle needs to know the vehicle’s limits. These include its weight, height, width and length, and its seating and standing capacity. The unladen weight should be displayed on the nearside of the vehicle.
#38. You're driving at the legal speed limit. What should you do if a vehicle comes up quickly behind, flashing its headlights?
Don’t try to enforce the speed limit by blocking another vehicle’s progress. This is likely to cause the other driver to become more frustrated. Slow down or move over when it’s safe and allow the other vehicle to pass.
#39. By approximately how much would 15 passengers increase the weight of your vehicle?
You must be aware of the maximum authorised mass (MAM) of your vehicle. This refers to its total weight, including both passengers and luggage. Fifteen passengers would add approximately 1 tonne to the weight of your vehicle. You should also allow for any luggage that they may be carrying.
#40. Where must the repair of a speed limiter be carried out?
Speed limiters may only be repaired by authorised speed-limiter centres. They’ll ensure that all the connections are sealed and that the system is tamperproof.
#41. What does the R stand for on this sign?*
Ring roads are designed to relieve congestion in towns and city centres. They’re often the best route to take if you’re travelling through an unfamiliar area.
#42. Your vehicle has collided with a railway bridge. What information must you give the railway authority when you telephone them?
The railway authority needs to know immediately if one of their bridges has been hit. You’ll need to tell them the number of the bridge so they can identify it. The railway authority will then take action to prevent railway passengers from being put at risk.
#43. What does this sign warn of?
If you’re driving a high vehicle, make sure that there’s enough headroom available for you to go through the tunnel. There may be additional signs showing height and width restrictions.
#44. Where would you see this sign?*
This sign will be used where the road narrows, often as a result of traffic calming measures. When you see this you should give way to oncoming traffic.
#45. You're driving a large vehicle on a narrow road with passing places. What will you need to be most aware of?
If your vehicle is too long to fit into a passing place, you may need to wait opposite one. This will allow a following or approaching driver to pass. When you use this type of road, you need to plan and look well ahead to avoid meeting another road user at an inappropriate place.
#46. What's the national speed limit for buses and coaches on a dual carriageway?
Don’t be tempted to drive on the limiter when using dual carriageway roads. The speed limit for passenger-carrying vehicles is 60 mph. Be considerate to faster-moving traffic by not using the middle or outside lanes unnecessarily.
#47. When must you take extra care if you're driving a vehicle more than 3.0 metres (10 feet) high?
You must take care when approaching any hazard where height is limited. Know the height of your vehicle and what you can drive under safely. If you aren’t sure that it’s safe, take another route.
#48. You take some cough medicine given to you by a friend. What should you do before driving?
There is always a risk that any medicine could affect your ability to drive. Always read the information supplied with it to ensure that you are safe before getting behind the wheel.
#49. What does this sign mean?
It’s essential to know the height of your vehicle before setting off. This should be clearly marked, usually in the cab, and visible from the driving position. Look out for restrictions that you may not have seen on a map – they may be temporary.
#50. What does this sign mean?
You must always be aware of the size of your vehicle. Look out for road signs that show a width restriction. There should be an indication of this at the entrance to the road. Don’t get into a situation where you have to reverse out of a narrow road because you haven’t seen a sign.