UK PCV Theory Motorway Driving Rules Questions and Answers — Questions and Answers
Question 1: You are driving a coach with an overall length of 14 metres on a UK motorway where no other speed limits are displayed. What is the maximum permitted speed for your vehicle?
- 70 mph
- 60 mph (Correct answer)
- 50 mph
- 56 mph
Correct answer: 60 mph
In the UK, the national speed limit on a motorway for a bus or coach that exceeds 12 metres in overall length is 60 mph. Vehicles not exceeding 12 metres may travel at 70 mph.
Question 2: You are driving a 15-tonne coach on a motorway with three lanes. Under normal traffic conditions, which lane are you prohibited from using?
- The left-hand lane
- The middle lane for overtaking
- The right-hand (overtaking) lane (Correct answer)
- No lanes are prohibited
Correct answer: The right-hand (overtaking) lane
According to the Highway Code, vehicles required to be fitted with a speed limiter, which includes all PCVs, are restricted from using the right-hand lane of a motorway that has three or more lanes. This rule applies under normal circumstances and is in place to maintain traffic flow.
Question 3: You experience a sudden tyre failure while driving your coach in the left-hand lane of a motorway. What should be your immediate and primary course of action?
- Grip the steering wheel firmly, avoid harsh braking, and steer onto the hard shoulder if possible. (Correct answer)
- Stop immediately in the current lane and activate hazard warning lights.
- Brake as hard as possible to stop the vehicle quickly.
- Instruct passengers to move to the opposite side of the coach to re-balance the vehicle.
Correct answer: Grip the steering wheel firmly, avoid harsh braking, and steer onto the hard shoulder if possible.
In the event of a tyre failure at speed, the correct procedure is to maintain control of the vehicle by holding the steering wheel firmly and avoiding any sudden braking or steering movements. The aim is to slow down gradually and move to a place of relative safety, such as the hard shoulder, as smoothly as possible.
Question 4: When driving your PCV on a smart motorway, what is the meaning of a red 'X' displayed on the gantry above a lane?
- The lane is for emergency vehicles only.
- The national speed limit is about to be reinstated.
- Prepare to stop as there is a queue ahead.
- You MUST NOT drive in this lane as it is closed. (Correct answer)
Correct answer: You MUST NOT drive in this lane as it is closed.
A red 'X' symbol on an overhead gantry on any motorway, including smart motorways, indicates that the lane is closed. Drivers MUST NOT proceed in a lane marked with a red 'X'. Ignoring this signal is illegal and dangerous.
Question 5: You are preparing to join a motorway from a slip road in your coach. What is the correct procedure?
- Stop at the end of the slip road and wait for a large gap before pulling out.
- Adjust your speed on the slip road to match that of traffic in the left-hand lane and merge when safe. (Correct answer)
- Force your way into traffic, as vehicles on the motorway must give way to those joining.
- Drive along the hard shoulder until a suitable gap becomes available in the traffic.
Correct answer: Adjust your speed on the slip road to match that of traffic in the left-hand lane and merge when safe.
The Highway Code states that when joining a motorway, you must use the slip road to build up speed to match the traffic already on the motorway. You should give priority to traffic on the main carriageway and merge into a safe gap in the left-hand lane.
Question 6: On a long, uphill section of a motorway, you see a sign for a 'Crawler Lane'. What is its primary function?
- It is a lane reserved for vehicles that have broken down.
- It is an extra lane for emergency service vehicles to bypass traffic.
- It allows slower-moving vehicles to be overtaken safely by faster traffic. (Correct answer)
- It is a mandatory lane that all PCVs and HGVs must use on the incline.
Correct answer: It allows slower-moving vehicles to be overtaken safely by faster traffic.
A crawler lane is an additional lane on the left-hand side of a steep uphill gradient. Its purpose is to allow vehicles that lose speed on the incline, such as heavy goods vehicles and coaches, to move over, thereby preventing them from holding up faster-moving traffic in the other lanes.
UK PCV Theory Motorway Driving Rules Questions and Answers
You are driving a coach with an overall length of 14 metres on a UK motorway where no other speed limits are displayed.
What is the maximum permitted speed for your vehicle?