PCV Vehicle Checks 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: During a daily walkaround check of a PCV, what is the FIRST thing you should check?
- The fuel level
- The condition of the windscreen and wipers
- That the vehicle is safe to approach by checking for leaks, damage, or obstructions around it (Correct answer)
- The tyre pressures
Correct answer: That the vehicle is safe to approach by checking for leaks, damage, or obstructions around it
Before approaching the vehicle closely, you should first observe the general condition from a distance. Check for fluid leaks underneath, obvious body damage, flat tyres, or any obstructions that could indicate a problem before beginning the detailed walkaround.
Question 2: What is the minimum legal tread depth for tyres on a PCV in the UK?
- 1 mm across the full breadth and around the entire circumference
- 1.6 mm across the central three-quarters of the breadth and around the entire circumference
- 1 mm across the central three-quarters of the breadth and around the entire circumference (Correct answer)
- 2 mm across the full breadth and around the entire circumference
Correct answer: 1 mm across the central three-quarters of the breadth and around the entire circumference
For PCVs and goods vehicles over 3,500 kg in the UK, the minimum legal tread depth is 1 mm across the central three-quarters of the breadth and around the entire circumference of the tyre. This differs from the 1.6 mm requirement for cars.
Question 3: How often must a PCV undergo an MOT test in the UK?
- Every two years
- Every year after the vehicle is one year old
- Every year from when the vehicle is first registered (Correct answer)
- Every six months
Correct answer: Every year from when the vehicle is first registered
PCVs must have an annual MOT test from the date of first registration. Unlike private cars which have their first MOT at three years, PCVs require testing every year from new due to the higher safety requirements for passenger-carrying vehicles.
Question 4: What should you do if you discover a defect during your daily vehicle check that affects roadworthiness?
- Make a note of it and report it at the end of the day
- Drive carefully and get it fixed at the next scheduled service
- Report the defect immediately and do not use the vehicle until it is repaired (Correct answer)
- Fix it yourself if possible and continue with the service
Correct answer: Report the defect immediately and do not use the vehicle until it is repaired
If a defect affecting roadworthiness is found during a daily check, the vehicle must not be used until the defect is repaired. The defect must be reported immediately to the operator. Using an unroadworthy PCV is a serious offence.
Question 5: What document must be carried on a PCV at all times during operation?
- The driver's passport
- The vehicle's V5C registration document
- A valid certificate of insurance (Correct answer)
- The operator's financial records
Correct answer: A valid certificate of insurance
A valid certificate of insurance must be carried on the vehicle at all times during operation. This proves the vehicle is insured for public use and passenger carrying. The disc should be displayed on the windscreen.
Question 6: When checking the air brake system on a PCV, what indicates a potential problem?
- The air pressure builds up quickly when the engine starts
- The air pressure drops rapidly when the engine is switched off and the brakes are applied (Correct answer)
- The warning buzzer sounds briefly when the ignition is first turned on
- The air pressure gauge reads exactly the same as the previous day
Correct answer: The air pressure drops rapidly when the engine is switched off and the brakes are applied
A rapid drop in air pressure when the engine is off and brakes are applied indicates an air leak in the braking system. This is a serious safety defect as it could lead to brake failure. The vehicle must not be used until the leak is found and repaired.
PCV Vehicle Checks 1
During a daily walkaround check of a PCV, what is the FIRST thing you should check?