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

PCV study notes

Traffic Signs

Signs that matter most to large vehicles — weight, height and width limits, and route signs.

What this topic covers

Signs that matter most to large vehicles — weight, height and width limits, and route signs. The full PCV Theory Test & Toolkit app contains 71 questions on this topic.

In the app's syllabus: Road signs, Speed limits, Regulations.

Worked examples

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

Example 1

What should you do if you see this sign when you're about to overtake?

A. Hold back until you can see clearly ahead ✓ correct
B. Switch your headlights on before overtaking
C. Move to the right to get a better view
D. Overtake the other driver as quickly as possible

Explanation: You'll not be able to see any hazards that might be out of sight in the dip. As well as oncoming traffic, there may be cyclists, horse riders, parked vehicles or pedestrians hidden from view. Only start to overtake when you can see the road ahead is clear, giving you enough time to overtake safely.

Example 2

The double white line along the centre of the road is unbroken on your side. When may you cross the line?

A. To overtake a driver travelling at 20 mph or less
B. To check it's safe to overtake the vehicle in front
C. To overtake a cyclist travelling at 10 mph or less ✓ correct
D. To overtake any maintenance vehicle in front

Explanation: Solid white lines are used where it would be dangerous to overtake. If the solid line is on your side of the road, you may cross it to pass a stationary vehicle, or to overtake a cyclist, horse or road-maintenance vehicle that's travelling at 10 mph or less. You may also cross the solid line to enter premises or a side road.

Example 3

You're on a motorway. What does it mean when a mandatory speed limit is displayed above the hard shoulder?

A. Large vehicles must use the hard shoulder
B. You can park on the hard shoulder if you feel tired
C. The hard shoulder can be used as a running lane ✓ correct
D. You should not use the hard shoulder as a running lane

Explanation: If a mandatory speed-limit sign is shown above the hard shoulder, this lane can be used as a running lane. You must stay within the signed speed limit. Look out for any vehicles that have broken down and are blocking the hard shoulder.

Example 4

What does this sign mean?

A. Give way to buses
B. With-flow bus lane
C. Contraflow bus lane ✓ correct
D. Bus station on the right

Explanation: If you see a contraflow sign, there'll also be markings on the road to indicate the bus lane. Do not use this lane for parking or overtaking.

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More PCV study notes

Get all 71 questions on this topic in the PCV Theory Test & Toolkit app.