The Road
Speed limits, lane discipline, junctions and traffic-calming for big vehicles.
What this topic covers
Speed limits, lane discipline, junctions and traffic-calming for big vehicles. The full PCV Theory Test app contains 132 questions on this topic, drawn from the official DVSA bank.
Worked examples
Here are a few practice questions from this topic. Try answering each before reading the explanation.
Example 1
Braking continuously can make brakes overheat. This will make
- A. the brakes work better
- B. braking less effective ✓ correct
- C. the brake pedal hard
- D. the air pressure build up
Explanation: Whenever you brake, the moving energy of your vehicle is converted into heat. Continuous use of the brakes, particularly from high speed or on long steep descents, can cause the shoes and drums to overheat. This will make them less effective and in some cases they may not work at all.
Example 2
On a motorway what do signs showing a crawler lane suggest?
- A. Advance warning for a steep downhill section
- B. Only lorries and buses are allowed to use that lane
- C. Vehicles fitted with speed limiters must use that lane
- D. There will be a long, gradual uphill gradient ahead ✓ correct
Explanation: Due to its size and weight overtaking in a large heavy vehicle will take much longer than in a car. First ask yourself if overtaking is really necessary. The combination of a heavy load, a speed limiter and a gradient may leave you without the power to overtake safely.
Example 3
When is a buffer lane most likely to be in use?
- A. When windy ✓ correct
- B. When raining
- C. When foggy
- D. When icy
Explanation: A buffer lane is established when the wind begins to cause a risk to high-sided vehicles. At other times it will be a normal lane. Don’t use the buffer lane unless your vehicle has been blown off course into it, or you need to use it to avoid an incident or collision. Leave it free, however heavy the traffic.
Example 4
In heavy rain what is the least amount of space you should allow for braking?
- A. The normal distance
- B. Twice the normal distance ✓ correct
- C. Three times the normal distance
- D. Five times the normal distance
Explanation: Your tyres could lose their grip in wet conditions. If you’re travelling in heavy rain you should be aware that it could take twice as long for you to stop as in dry weather. Therefore increase your distance from the vehicle in front.
Get all 132 questions on this topic in the PCV Theory Test app.
