UK PCV Theory Daily Checks and Maintenance Questions and Answers — Questions and Answers
Question 1: According to UK law, what is the minimum legal tread depth for a tyre fitted to a PCV across the central three-quarters of the breadth of the tread and around the entire outer circumference?
- 1.6 mm
- 2.0 mm
- 1.0 mm (Correct answer)
- 1.5 mm
Correct answer: 1.0 mm
For Public Service Vehicles (PSVs) and other large vehicles over 3,500kg gross vehicle weight, the legal minimum tread depth is 1.0 mm across a continuous band covering at least three-quarters of the tread width and around the entire circumference. This differs from the 1.6 mm requirement for cars and light vans.
Question 2: During your pre-service walk-around check, you discover a defect that could compromise the safe operation of the vehicle, such as a faulty brake light. What is your legal responsibility before starting your journey?
- Make a note to get it fixed at the end of your shift.
- Record the defect in writing, report it to the responsible person, and not use the vehicle until it is rectified. (Correct answer)
- Continue the journey but avoid driving at night.
- Ask a colleague if they think it is safe to use the vehicle.
Correct answer: Record the defect in writing, report it to the responsible person, and not use the vehicle until it is rectified.
The DVSA's 'Guide to Maintaining Roadworthiness' states that drivers are responsible for conducting a daily walk-around check and reporting any defects in writing. If a defect could affect the vehicle's safe operation, it must be reported and the vehicle must not be used until it is repaired.
Question 3: When checking the emergency exits on your coach as part of your daily inspection, which of the following is the most important aspect to verify?
- That a first-aid kit is located immediately next to each exit.
- That the exit windows have curtains fitted correctly.
- That the exits are locked with a key to prevent misuse by passengers.
- That the exits are clearly marked, accessible, and all operating mechanisms are working correctly. (Correct answer)
Correct answer: That the exits are clearly marked, accessible, and all operating mechanisms are working correctly.
Daily checks must ensure that all emergency exits are unobstructed, clearly signed, and that their opening mechanisms function correctly. This is a critical safety requirement to allow for rapid passenger evacuation in an emergency.
Question 4: Before starting your first journey of the day in a vehicle equipped with a digital tachograph, what is a mandatory action you must perform?
- Reset the vehicle's trip computer to zero.
- Ensure you have at least three spare print rolls available.
- Perform a manual entry to account for any other work or rest since you last removed your card. (Correct answer)
- Check that the vehicle's MOT certificate is displayed in the cab.
Correct answer: Perform a manual entry to account for any other work or rest since you last removed your card.
Drivers' hours regulations require a complete record of all activities. Before driving, you must use the manual entry function on the digital tachograph to record any work (like the walk-around check), periods of availability, or rest that have occurred since your card was last inserted.
Question 5: You are conducting your daily under-bonnet fluid checks. A low level in which of these reservoirs would most directly and seriously affect your ability to steer the vehicle?
- Power steering fluid reservoir (Correct answer)
- Engine coolant reservoir
- Windscreen washer reservoir
- Engine oil sump
Correct answer: Power steering fluid reservoir
The power steering fluid reservoir holds the hydraulic fluid for the power-assisted steering system. A low level would make steering extremely heavy and difficult, which is a major safety hazard. The other fluids are also important but do not directly affect the steering mechanism.
Question 6: During your walk-around check, you notice a large crack across the main offside exterior mirror, which partially obscures your view. According to DVSA guidelines, what is the correct course of action?
- Continue in service but take extra care when changing lanes.
- Ignore it, as long as the other mirrors are intact.
- Report it as a defect; the vehicle should not be used until the mirror is replaced. (Correct answer)
- Cover the crack with heavy-duty tape and proceed with your journey.
Correct answer: Report it as a defect; the vehicle should not be used until the mirror is replaced.
Mirrors are critical safety equipment. A cracked or damaged mirror that obscures the driver's view is a significant safety defect. The DVSA requires that the vehicle should not be used until it is repaired, as it compromises the driver's ability to see other road users clearly and safely.
UK PCV Theory Daily Checks and Maintenance Questions and Answers
According to UK law, what is the minimum legal tread depth for a tyre fitted to a PCV across the central three-quarters of the breadth of the tread and around the entire outer circumference?