PCV Motorway Driving Rules 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the national speed limit for a coach on a motorway in the UK?
- 50 mph
- 60 mph
- 70 mph (Correct answer)
- 80 mph
Correct answer: 70 mph
Coaches have a motorway speed limit of 70 mph, the same as cars.
Coaches on motorways have a 70 mph limit, same as cars. Buses not classified as coaches have a 60 mph limit. Many operators set lower speed limiters for efficiency.
Question 2: When joining a motorway from a slip road, a PCV driver should:
- Stop at the end of the slip road and wait for a gap
- Build up speed on the slip road to match motorway traffic, check mirrors and signal, then merge safely (Correct answer)
- Drive directly into lane 2
- Use hazard lights while joining
Correct answer: Build up speed on the slip road to match motorway traffic, check mirrors and signal, then merge safely
Building up speed on the slip road to match traffic flow allows a smooth and safe merge.
Use the full acceleration lane to build speed, check mirrors early and repeatedly, signal right, look for a suitable gap in lane 1, and merge smoothly.
Question 3: What should you do if you miss your exit on a motorway?
- Reverse back to the exit
- Continue to the next exit and find an alternative route (Correct answer)
- Stop on the hard shoulder and walk back
- Make a U-turn at the next gap in the central reservation
Correct answer: Continue to the next exit and find an alternative route
Never reverse, stop, or make a U-turn on a motorway. Continue to the next junction.
It is illegal and dangerous to reverse, stop, or U-turn on a motorway. Continue to the next junction and reroute.
Question 4: On a smart motorway, what does a red X displayed on an overhead gantry above your lane mean?
- Slow down to 40 mph
- The lane is closed - you must not drive in it (Correct answer)
- There is a speed camera ahead
- Adverse weather conditions ahead
Correct answer: The lane is closed - you must not drive in it
A red X means the lane is closed and you must move out of it.
A red X means the lane is closed. Move out immediately. Driving in a red X lane is enforced by cameras and can result in fines and penalty points.
Question 5: What is the recommended minimum following distance for a coach on a motorway in dry conditions?
- 1 second
- 2 seconds
- At least 4 seconds or one metre per mph (Correct answer)
- The same as a car
Correct answer: At least 4 seconds or one metre per mph
A coach needs significantly more stopping distance than a car. At least 4 seconds or one metre per mph is recommended.
At 60 mph, maintain at least 60 metres following distance. Double in wet conditions. Use chevron markers where available as a guide.
Question 6: You experience a tyre blowout on the motorway. After stopping safely, which of the following should you NOT do?
- Switch on hazard warning lights
- Evacuate passengers behind the safety barrier
- Attempt to change the tyre yourself on the hard shoulder (Correct answer)
- Call your depot and emergency services
Correct answer: Attempt to change the tyre yourself on the hard shoulder
Changing a tyre on a motorway is extremely dangerous. Wait for professional recovery.
The hard shoulder is extremely hazardous. Evacuate passengers behind the barrier, use the emergency telephone, and wait for professional recovery.
PCV Motorway Driving Rules 2
What is the national speed limit for a coach on a motorway in the UK?