PCV Bus & Coach Regulations 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What type of operator's licence is required to operate a public service vehicle (PSV)?
- A PSV operator's licence issued by the Traffic Commissioner — separate from an HGV operator's licence (Correct answer)
- A standard HGV operator's licence covers both
- A local authority permit only
- No licence is required for private hire coaches
Correct answer: A PSV operator's licence issued by the Traffic Commissioner — separate from an HGV operator's licence
All operators of PSVs (buses and coaches) carrying passengers for hire or reward must hold a PSV operator's licence, also known as a public service vehicle operator's licence, issued by the Traffic Commissioner for the relevant traffic area.
Question 2: What is a 'Section 19 permit' in the context of PSV operations?
- A permit allowing non-commercial organisations (charities, churches, etc.) to carry passengers without a full PSV operator's licence (Correct answer)
- A permit for operating double-decker buses in low-height areas
- A permit for operating beyond normal operating hours
- A permit for school bus operations
Correct answer: A permit allowing non-commercial organisations (charities, churches, etc.) to carry passengers without a full PSV operator's licence
Section 19 permits allow non-commercial community organisations (charities, churches, educational establishments) to carry passengers for a charge that covers costs but not profit, without requiring a full PSV operator's licence. This facilitates community transport.
Question 3: What are the requirements for a driver to hold a PCV (Category D) licence?
- Must be at least 21 years old (18 in some training/employment situations), pass the D theory test, hazard perception test, and a driving test (Correct answer)
- Only need to pass the standard driving test — no additional tests
- Must be at least 25 years old
- Category D is a standard upgrade to any car licence
Correct answer: Must be at least 21 years old (18 in some training/employment situations), pass the D theory test, hazard perception test, and a driving test
Category D entitlement requires: minimum age 21 (or 18 for certain CPC-qualified employed drivers), passing the D theory test, hazard perception test, and the Category D practical driving test. A Driver CPC is also required for professional drivers.
Question 4: What is the Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC) and who needs it?
- A qualification required for professional PCV drivers — includes initial qualification and periodic 35 hours training every 5 years (Correct answer)
- A qualification for drivers of private cars only
- An alternative to passing the Category D test
- A qualification for vehicle inspectors
Correct answer: A qualification required for professional PCV drivers — includes initial qualification and periodic 35 hours training every 5 years
The Driver CPC is required for professional drivers operating PCVs on public roads for commercial purposes. It involves an initial qualification (theory and practical) and periodic 35 hours of approved training every 5 years to maintain the qualification.
Question 5: What is a 'PSV' (Public Service Vehicle) as defined in UK transport law?
- A motor vehicle adapted to carry more than 8 passengers for hire or reward (Correct answer)
- Any bus or coach regardless of passenger numbers
- A vehicle used for public transport only if registered with the DVLA
- Any vehicle over 3.5 tonnes used for passenger transport
Correct answer: A motor vehicle adapted to carry more than 8 passengers for hire or reward
Under the Public Passenger Vehicles Act 1981, a PSV is a motor vehicle with more than 8 passenger seats used for hire or reward. The number of passengers carried and the arrangement for payment determine whether a vehicle is a PSV.
Question 6: What is an 'operator's licence disc' and where must it be displayed?
- A disc issued by the Traffic Commissioner that must be displayed in every PSV while it is being used in accordance with the licence (Correct answer)
- An MOT certificate that must be kept in the glove box
- A tachograph calibration record
- A driver identity card
Correct answer: A disc issued by the Traffic Commissioner that must be displayed in every PSV while it is being used in accordance with the licence
An operator's licence disc (O-disc) is issued for each vehicle authorised under a PSV operator's licence. It must be prominently displayed in the vehicle (typically in the windscreen). Using a PSV without a valid disc is an offence.
PCV Bus & Coach Regulations 1
What type of operator's licence is required to operate a public service vehicle (PSV)?