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

PCV study notes

Vehicle Condition

Daily walkaround checks, tyres, fluids, lights and reporting defects.

What this topic covers

Daily walkaround checks, tyres, fluids, lights and reporting defects. The full PCV Theory Test & Toolkit app contains 70 questions on this topic.

In the app's syllabus: Wheels and tyres, In-depth know-how of large vehicles, Vehicle coupling mechanisms, Breakdowns.

Worked examples

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

Example 1

The bus you're driving is fitted with automatic transmission. When would you use kickdown?

A. When needing brisk acceleration ✓ correct
B. When driving at slow speed
C. When changing to a higher gear
D. When stopping in an emergency

Explanation: The kickdown facility on automatic transmission allows a lower gear to be engaged to allow faster acceleration (for example, when overtaking). This is achieved by firmly pressing the accelerator to the floor.

Example 2

How can you check the age of a tyre fitted to your vehicle?

A. From the tyre history on the vehicle plate
B. The date of tyre manufacture is shown on the tyre sidewall ✓ correct
C. From the tachograph's tyre log
D. The date of manufacture of each tyre is displayed in the cab

Explanation: The date of tyre manufacture is shown on the tyre sidewall. It must always be legible. It's an offence to use a tyre where the marking is damaged or defaced.

Example 3

What must vehicle operators provide for their drivers?

A. A fuel-saving incentive scheme
B. A hands-free mobile communications system
C. A daily update on all motorway hold-ups
D. A system for reporting vehicle defects ✓ correct

Explanation: The operator must have a system in place so that drivers can report defects and have them repaired properly.

Example 4

What will result from having over-inflated tyres?

A. The tyres will wear more quickly ✓ correct
B. You'll have improved acceleration
C. The fuel consumption will be reduced
D. The tyres will give better grip

Explanation: Your tyres must be in good condition and properly inflated to the manufacturer's recommended pressure. Research has shown that the tyres most likely to fail are those that have been over-inflated.

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More PCV study notes

Get all 70 questions on this topic in the PCV Theory Test & Toolkit app.