Mock Test 10

Hint

Most speed limiters work by taking a speed signal from the tachograph and transmitting it to the engine management system. This reduces the fuel supply to the engine, and allows the speed of the vehicle to be controlled to specific limits. The speed at which a limiter is set must be shown on a plate clearly displayed in the cab. You should be aware of the effect a speed limiter will have on your vehicle, especially when overtaking.

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You should be familiar with the room your vehicle needs to make turns or carry out a manoeuvre. You’ll need to consider this as you approach junctions and road layouts. If you’re driving a new or temporary vehicle, familiarise yourself with its characteristics before you drive on public roads.

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If you’re asked to leave your vehicle by an official who isn’t in uniform, ask to see their warrant card. The official is likely to be an enforcement or police officer, but don’t presume this.

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Make sure that your vehicle is safe whenever you leave it unattended. Always stop the engine and apply the parking brake.

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Operators of buses used for regular journeys of more than 50 km must use tachographs.

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As with stopping in any other situation, if you have to make a stop on an uphill gradient, wait until the vehicle has come to a halt before applying the parking brake.

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It’s important to apply the footbrake before you engage ‘D’ (or drive), so your vehicle doesn’t creep forward or roll back out of control when you’re about to move away. This can be dangerous; for example, if there’s another road user close behind.

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Hint

A poor diet can increase your risk of ill health. It may cause obesity, diabetes or heart disease, which can increase your risk of sudden incapacity at the wheel. There’s a greater risk of developing a serious illness – and ultimately an early death. Smoking and a lack of exercise will increase the risks.

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The only effective solution to driver sleepiness is to stop in a safe place and take a break.

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Driving at a constant speed for long periods, such as on a motorway, can cause drowsiness. Falling asleep while driving accounts for a significant proportion of vehicle incidents. You should plan and take regular rest stops, but if you feel the onset of tiredness between these breaks, stop and rest in a safe place.

Hint

SRVIs are more evident in young male drivers, who tend to ignore or deny how they’re feeling. The greatest risk is between the hours of midnight and 6.00 am, when the body clock is in a trough. Make sure you take sufficient rest breaks and don’t ignore feeling sleepy.

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With a front-tyre blow-out, you won’t be able to steer properly. Keep a firm hold of the steering wheel and slow gradually to a stop. Don’t brake hard or steer sharply.

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When seat belts are fitted to your vehicle, they must be worn unless you hold a valid medical exemption certificate. People making deliveries or collections in goods vehicles are also exempt, when they’re travelling less than 50 metres (162 feet).

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A significant number of sleep-related vehicle incidents involve commercial vehicles. There’s a particular risk when driving between midnight and 6.00 am, because this is when the body clock craves sleep. It’s important to take proper rest before, during and between driving duties.

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If you’re in a collision, a properly adjusted head restraint can help to reduce the risk of neck injury. However, an incorrectly adjusted head restraint could worsen any damage to your neck.

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If your vehicle is fitted with a seat belt, you must wear it unless you’re exempt for medical reasons. You may also remove it before a reverse manoeuvre. If the fitting of the belt is uncomfortable and it prevents you from obtaining a safe driving position, report this to your employer.

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Make sure that your vehicle displays all the information required by law (the ‘legal lettering’): the seating/standing capacity and the locations of the emergency exit, fuel cut-off switch and electrical isolator.

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Use your nearside mirror when you’ve overtaken another vehicle. This is particularly important on dual carriageways or motorways, where it can take some distance to overtake safely. Look carefully to make sure you’re far enough ahead and can safely return to the left lane.

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Blocking other vehicles’ access to side roads is inconsiderate and can cause congestion. You should look at the flow of traffic and be aware of junctions when you’re slowing down or stopping.

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All physical contact with children should be avoided except in specific circumstances such as genuine self-defence, a medical emergency, or to prevent a serious offence or threat to anyone’s safety.

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You should make yourself clearly visible when you’re working outside your vehicle and close to moving traffic.

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It’s a legal requirement that you should make reasonable adjustments to provide for people with disabilities. You should make sure that any ramp or lift is in place and in good working order before leaving the depot.

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You won’t have failed in your statutory duties if the boarding device breaks down and there’s no other means of assisting the passenger.

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If a wheelchair space is occupied by standing passengers and luggage, you might not be able to allow a wheelchair user on the bus. This may occur on a bus that’s almost full to capacity. You won’t have failed in your statutory duties towards the wheelchair user.

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A bus driver must never allow their passengers to ride on an open platform. Anyone standing on an open platform is at risk should the driver have to brake harshly, swerve or suddenly change direction.

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If you need to brake when the road surface is wet, do so while your vehicle is travelling in a straight line. This will reduce the risk of skidding. As a professional driver, you should routinely brake in good time, so that you don’t brake and change direction at the same time.

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Always plan well ahead before overtaking. Take into consideration the size of your vehicle and whether there’s a gradient ahead. The load on your vehicle will slow you down on an uphill gradient. It may be better to wait until you’re on the level before trying to overtake.

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Motorcycles can be very vulnerable to strong side wind. Allow extra room when overtaking them in windy weather. Check your nearside mirror while alongside and before moving back to the left.

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You should always leave a safety margin between your vehicle and the one in front. This gap will give you a better view of the road ahead. It will also allow you time to react if the traffic in front changes speed or direction.

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When visibility is poor or the road is wet, leave a greater separation distance – at least a four-second time gap from the vehicle in front. You should also reduce speed and use dipped headlights.

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Some exposed places are frequently subject to high winds. These include high-level bridges and roads, viaducts and some motorways. Check the weather forecast and plan an alternative route. Remember, you’re responsible for your passengers’ safety. Don’t ignore warnings of severe winds.

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When passing other road users – especially motorcyclists and cyclists – in wet weather, the spray from your vehicle could affect their control. Leave plenty of room as you pass, and look in your left-hand mirror to check that they’re still in control.

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Be alert for places where the road is shielded from the wind. When you leave this shelter, the wind may suddenly blow you off course, making steering more difficult.

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If you’re driving a double-deck bus, you’ll feel the effect of the wind more than you would on a single-deck vehicle. This is because the vehicle’s height increases the surface area that can be affected by the wind.

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In strong wind, motorcyclists can be blown off course. Allow them plenty of room when you’re overtaking, in case they’re blown into your path.

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If there’s heavy rain, the spray-suppression equipment fitted to your vehicle will protect other road users from loss of vision when following or passing your vehicle. Check the wheel arches to make sure the fitments haven’t worked loose and no parts have broken off. Well-maintained equipment will force the spray back down onto the road, instead of out to the rear and the sides of the vehicle.

Hint

There may be times when you have to take up part of another lane in order to make a turn or manoeuvre. Use your mirrors and check for other traffic that might try to move into the gap you’ve left to make your turn. Signal and take up your position in good time.

Hint

All buses and coaches and most minibuses – depending on their weight – must have their parking lights switched on when they’re parked on the road at night. Make sure that all your lights are clean and working properly.

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On unlit roads, it’s more difficult to see bends, junctions or dips ahead. This could prevent you from seeing oncoming traffic, pedestrians or cyclists. Unless the road is well lit or you’re on a dual carriageway, ask yourself whether overtaking is absolutely necessary.

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Newer buses and coaches have marker lights along the side; these ensure that they’re visible as they emerge at junctions, roundabouts and in other situations. If your vehicle has marker lights fitted, they must all be clean and working.

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You must be aware of the risk of grounding; for example, on a hump bridge. Look ahead for advance warning signs. If you decide to divert to avoid the hazard, make sure your new route doesn’t also have a restriction that would be impassable for your vehicle.

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If there’s a risk that another vehicle could run into the back of your bus, you should move your passengers forward to a safer position.

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If your bus hits a railway bridge, you must inform the railway authority immediately, as the impact may have damaged the bridge and made it unsafe. You should find the telephone number on or near the bridge. It’s very important to do this as soon as possible, so that all rail traffic is stopped. You must also inform the police immediately, or in any case within 24 hours.

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If your coach catches fire and it can’t go any further, stop at the side of the road, switch the engine off and switch on your hazard warning lights. Your immediate responsibility is to your passengers. Get them off the coach, keep them together and take them to the nearest emergency exit.

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Smoke from the engine compartment is very serious, as fire within a vehicle can spread very quickly. Your priority is to make sure that all passengers get off the bus as quickly and safely as possible.

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If your vehicle catches fire and you can drive it out of the tunnel, you should do so. If you can’t do this, stop at the side of the road and switch off the engine. Move your passengers calmly but quickly to the nearest exit.

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Fast-moving traffic is passing close by, so wait for the breakdown services to arrive. Their vehicle will provide protection while your vehicle is repaired or recovered.

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Just like your bus tyres, your trailer tyres must be in good condition. You might not tow a trailer on every journey you make, but when you do, check the trailer tyres while they’re cold and make sure they’re suitable for the load they’ll carry.

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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.

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All modern vehicles have some form of power-assisted steering, which will be able to cope with everything the vehicle requires. If the steering feels heavy, the power-steering system could be faulty and needs to be checked before you continue your journey.

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On multi-axled vehicles, the inside wheels on the rear twin-axle are the most difficult to check for punctures and damage. A deflated tyre will transfer the weight to the second tyre of the twin-axle pair. This will overload it and could cause it to burst.

Hint

Even the best-maintained vehicles accumulate a certain amount of grime around the engine. If this comes into contact with skin, it can cause irritation and may lead to conditions such as dermatitis. By wearing gloves, you can also keep your hands and cuffs clean to present a smart appearance to your customers.

Hint

The handling of a six-wheeled bus or coach is not much different from that of a two-axle vehicle, except that punctures can be more difficult to detect.

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Tyre care is especially important. You should routinely check tyre pressures and general tyre condition. An unroadworthy vehicle will endanger the lives of your passengers.

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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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Before uncoupling a trailer, always make sure that you’ve parked on firm, level ground and applied the trailer parking brake.

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Before you leave your bus, you must always apply the parking brake.

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Very often, you’ll load or unload luggage by the roadside. For your own safety, make yourself visible to other traffic.

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If you’ve been stopped for some time at a bus stop or in a bus station, be aware that cyclists and pedestrians, especially children, can enter your blind spots. They may be out of sight below the windscreen line. Always take all-round observation before manoeuvring, whether you’re moving away, parking or reversing.

Hint

Traffic commissioners are responsible for administering the regulations governing a PCV operator’s licence. They can take disciplinary action against an operator who falls foul of the legal requirements.

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If you have to wait for long periods of time, you should turn your engine off. Noise and exhaust fumes can cause annoyance as well as pollution.

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When you’re stationary for any length of time (for example, in a traffic jam), switch off your engine. This will cut exhaust emissions and so help to protect the environment.

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Switch your engine off when you’re stationary for some time, especially where noise and exhaust fumes may cause annoyance. This can help to protect the environment and save fuel.

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Avoid using air-conditioning systems for long periods, as they can increase fuel consumption by about 15%. Try to drive with fuel economy and the environment in mind.

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Vehicle designers and bus drivers have a duty to help reduce the effects of pollution on the environment. The most environmentally friendly way to allow air pressure to build up is with the engine running at tick-over.

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It’s a legal requirement that you check all filler caps are properly closed and secure after refuelling your vehicle.

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Road junctions can be especially dangerous for some road users, especially those that are small and more easily overlooked. Effective observation is necessary to ensure you don’t overlook anything.

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Look well ahead and be ready to deal with any hazards you see coming up, such as animals in the road. Horses are easily scared by the noise of an engine and the size of your vehicle may also be intimidating. Approach them as slowly and quietly as you can.

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When the lights turn to green, you may drive on, but only if the crossing is clear. You should wait for any pedestrians to finish crossing, regardless of their age. Allow them to cross the road at their own pace; don’t try to hurry them in any way.

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Potholes and raised drain covers in the road can unsteady a motorcyclist. They may suddenly swerve to avoid these uneven surfaces. Watch out at places where the road is in poor condition and this is likely to occur.

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In queuing traffic, motorcyclists may take the opportunity to filter between the lanes. Be aware that they may pass on either side and very close. Stay alert and always check your mirrors and blind spots before moving off, changing lanes or turning.

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Scan the road as you drive. Try to anticipate hazards by being aware of the places where they’re likely to occur; for example, pedestrians and cyclists emerging between parked cars on a busy street. If you’re prepared, you’ll be able to slow down or stop in good time.

Hint

Parking on the yellow zigzag lines will block the view of the school entrance. This will endanger the lives of children wanting to cross the road on their way to and from school.

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Just before turning, a check in the offside mirror will help you to see any cyclist or motorcyclist passing on your offside. This check may help to prevent a serious incident from developing.

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Motorcyclists and cyclists may be more difficult to see, especially at junctions. They can be easily hidden by obstructions such as other vehicles, and the small size of an approaching motorcycle may make it difficult to judge its speed and distance. It’s vital that you don’t emerge until you’re sure it’s safe.

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Bus stations are busy places. If people are in a rush, they may not always look properly before getting off a bus. Keep your speed down and look for manoeuvring vehicles or pedestrians stepping into your path.

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A red cross above the hard shoulder means that it’s closed as a running lane and should only be used for emergencies or breakdowns. At busy times, the hard shoulder may be used as a running lane; the red cross will then be replaced by a mandatory speed-limit sign.

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Mandatory speed-limit signs above the hard shoulder and all other lanes show that you’re on a smart motorway. In this case, you can use the hard shoulder as a running lane. You must stay within the speed limit shown. Look well ahead for any vehicles that have broken down and are blocking the hard shoulder.

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Normally, you should only use the hard shoulder for emergencies and breakdowns. On smart motorways, the hard shoulder may be used as a running lane, but only when speed-limit signs are shown directly above it. This technology has been introduced to ease traffic congestion.

Hint

This sign tells you that the verge is soft. If you park here, there’s a danger that your vehicle will become stuck. This can be inconvenient and could be costly if you need to be pulled out. In extreme cases, your vehicle may even tip over.

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No buses with more than eight passenger seats are permitted past this sign. Exceptions apply for scheduled services, school and works buses.

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The bus-lane signs will indicate which road users are allowed to share the lane with buses and any time restrictions that may apply. Taxis are often allowed to use bus lanes, as these lanes provide a route that has less congestion and can therefore be quicker.

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The sign shows the maximum authorised mass for goods vehicles. It’s used to restrict heavy lorries (for example, in residential areas), but it doesn’t apply to buses and coaches.