Trainee bus driver and instructor reviewing a checklist beside a single-deck bus at the depot

PCV study notes

The Road

Road types, weather, lane discipline, junctions and traffic calming for big vehicles.

What this topic covers

Road types, weather, lane discipline, junctions and traffic calming for big vehicles. The full PCV Theory Test & Toolkit app contains 114 questions on this topic.

In the app's syllabus: Anticipation, Hazard awareness, Attention, Speed and distance, Reaction time, Risk factors.

Worked examples

Here are a few practice questions from this topic. Try answering each before reading the explanation.

Example 1

What problem may you have when driving at night?

A. It takes longer to stop
B. You'll have reduced visibility ✓ correct
C. There'll be an increase in traffic
D. It's more difficult to keep to speed limits

Explanation: You must be able to stop safely in the distance that you can see to be clear ahead. This will be the distance illuminated by your headlights or by street lights and will generally be less than you can see in daylight.

Example 2

High-sided vehicles can be affected by side wind. On which type of road is this most likely?

A. Motorway underpasses
B. Slip roads
C. Open roads ✓ correct
D. Narrow country lanes

Explanation: You should take account of the weather forecast when you plan your route. You're most likely to be subjected to side wind on exposed routes; for example, on long bridges, open roads and exposed stretches of motorway.

Example 3

Why are brushes fitted to this vehicle's wheel arch?

A. To reduce spray on wet roads ✓ correct
B. To stop snow building up behind the wheel
C. To remove objects from the tyre tread
D. To clear mud from the tyres on building sites

Explanation: 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.

Example 4

How much longer can your stopping distance be in snow than in dry weather?

A. 10 times as long ✓ correct
B. 5 times as long
C. 4 times as long
D. Twice as long

Explanation: In icy or snowy weather, your stopping distance can increase by up to 10 times. Because snowy weather increases the distance needed to stop, you must look further ahead and leave an increased safety margin.

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More PCV study notes

Get all 114 questions on this topic in the PCV Theory Test & Toolkit app.