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

PCV study notes

Vehicle Weights and Dimensions

Plated weights, axle loads, length and height limits, and bridge strikes.

What this topic covers

Plated weights, axle loads, length and height limits, and bridge strikes. The full PCV Theory Test & Toolkit app contains 48 questions on this topic.

In the app's syllabus: Vehicle size, Stowage and loading, Vehicle markings, Speed limiters.

Worked examples

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

Example 1

What does this sign mean?

A. Warning of lorry straight ahead
B. No entry for vehicles over 32.6 tonnes
C. No entry for vehicles over 32 feet 6 inches (9.9 metres) long ✓ correct
D. Warning of lorry crossing a one-way road

Explanation: 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.

Example 2

When should you consider the effect a speed limiter will have on your vehicle?

A. When reversing
B. When overtaking ✓ correct
C. When changing gear
D. When braking

Explanation: Plan well ahead before overtaking. Be aware that a speed limiter may cause you difficulties when overtaking another vehicle, particularly when climbing a hill.

Example 3

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?

A. Straddle the lanes to make more room for the turn ✓ correct
B. Keep to the left and turn later than normal
C. Move out to the right immediately before turning
D. Keep well to the left on the approach

Explanation: 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 bicycles - trying to squeeze past on your inside.

Example 4

What does this sign mean?

A. Road liable to subsidence
B. Uneven road
C. Risk of grounding ✓ correct
D. Hump bridge

Explanation: 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.

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More PCV study notes

Get all 48 questions on this topic in the PCV Theory Test & Toolkit app.