PCV Passenger Safety 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the primary responsibility of a PCV driver when passengers are boarding the vehicle?
- Ensuring all passengers have valid tickets
- Ensuring passengers board safely and the vehicle does not move until all are seated or holding on (Correct answer)
- Counting the number of passengers
- Checking passenger luggage for prohibited items
Correct answer: Ensuring passengers board safely and the vehicle does not move until all are seated or holding on
The driver's primary responsibility during boarding is passenger safety. The vehicle must not move until all passengers are safely seated or holding on to grab rails, as movement could cause falls and injuries.
Question 2: When must a PCV driver refuse to carry a passenger?
- When the passenger does not have exact change for the fare
- When the passenger is carrying shopping bags
- When carrying the passenger would cause the vehicle to exceed its maximum capacity (Correct answer)
- When the passenger wants to travel only one stop
Correct answer: When carrying the passenger would cause the vehicle to exceed its maximum capacity
A PCV driver must refuse passengers if carrying them would exceed the vehicle's maximum permitted capacity. Overloading compromises safety, affects vehicle handling, and is a legal offence under UK regulations.
Question 3: What should a PCV driver do if a passenger becomes ill during a journey?
- Continue to the next scheduled stop and ask the passenger to get off
- Stop at the nearest safe place and call for medical assistance if needed (Correct answer)
- Ask other passengers to help and continue driving
- Drive directly to the nearest hospital
Correct answer: Stop at the nearest safe place and call for medical assistance if needed
The driver should stop at the nearest safe location and assess the situation. If the passenger requires medical attention, emergency services should be called. The safety of all passengers must be considered.
Question 4: Under UK regulations, what is the maximum standing time generally permitted for passengers on a local bus service?
- No standing passengers are permitted at any time
- Standing is permitted on journeys where passengers are not expected to stand for more than 70 minutes (Correct answer)
- Standing is only permitted for journeys under 20 minutes
- There is no limit on standing time for local services
Correct answer: Standing is permitted on journeys where passengers are not expected to stand for more than 70 minutes
On local bus services in the UK, standing passengers are generally permitted where they are not expected to stand for more than 70 minutes. On express or motorway services, standing is typically not permitted.
Question 5: What action should a PCV driver take before moving off from a bus stop?
- Sound the horn to warn pedestrians
- Check all mirrors and ensure it is safe to pull out (Correct answer)
- Flash the headlights at approaching traffic
- Wait for a gap of at least 30 seconds in traffic
Correct answer: Check all mirrors and ensure it is safe to pull out
Before moving off, the driver must check all mirrors (nearside, offside, and interior) to ensure it is safe. This includes checking for passengers still boarding or alighting, pedestrians, cyclists, and other traffic.
Question 6: A wheelchair user wishes to board your PCV. What is the correct procedure?
- Direct them to the next vehicle which may have better access
- Deploy the ramp, ensure the wheelchair space is clear, and assist if needed while ensuring the wheelchair is properly secured (Correct answer)
- Allow them to board but explain they must hold on during the journey
- Ask another passenger to give up their seat instead
Correct answer: Deploy the ramp, ensure the wheelchair space is clear, and assist if needed while ensuring the wheelchair is properly secured
Under the Equality Act 2010 and PSVAR regulations, PCV drivers must make reasonable adjustments for wheelchair users. This includes deploying the ramp, clearing the wheelchair space, and ensuring the wheelchair is properly secured for the journey.
PCV Passenger Safety 1
What is the primary responsibility of a PCV driver when passengers are boarding the vehicle?