UK PCV Theory Traffic Signs and Road Markings Questions and Answers — Questions and Answers
Question 1: You are driving a coach and see a circular sign with a red border and the number '50' inside. What does this sign mean?
- Minimum speed limit is 50 mph.
- Recommended speed is 50 mph.
- Maximum speed limit is 50 mph. (Correct answer)
- You are 50 miles from the next town.
Correct answer: Maximum speed limit is 50 mph.
In the UK, circular signs with a red border are prohibitive and give orders that must be obeyed. The number inside indicates the maximum speed limit in miles per hour.
Question 2: As a PCV driver on a 'Red Route' in London, you see double red lines at the side of the road. What is the rule regarding these markings?
- You may stop to set down or pick up passengers at any time.
- Stopping is prohibited at any time, for any reason. (Correct answer)
- You can stop to load or unload goods between 10 am and 4 pm.
- Only buses and licensed taxis may stop here.
Correct answer: Stopping is prohibited at any time, for any reason.
Double red lines on a Red Route indicate that no stopping is allowed at any time, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. This prohibition applies to all vehicles, including buses, for activities like picking up/setting down passengers or loading/unloading.
Question 3: You are approaching a school entrance and see yellow zig-zag lines painted on the road. What action must you take during the times shown on the accompanying sign?
- Slow down to 20 mph and proceed with caution.
- You must not stop or park on the markings, not even to pick up or set down passengers. (Correct answer)
- You may stop briefly to allow children to board or alight.
- Overtaking is permitted if the road ahead is clear.
Correct answer: You must not stop or park on the markings, not even to pick up or set down passengers.
Yellow zig-zag lines outside a school, accompanied by an upright sign indicating times of operation, mean you must not stop or park on them for any reason, including picking up or setting down passengers. This is to ensure a clear line of sight for drivers and children.
Question 4: Which of the following best describes the meaning of a solid white line at the edge of a bus lane during its hours of operation?
- You may enter the bus lane to turn left within 20 metres.
- You should not cross the line to enter the bus lane. (Correct answer)
- Only motorcycles and taxis may cross the line.
- It indicates the bus lane ends soon.
Correct answer: You should not cross the line to enter the bus lane.
A solid white line marks the edge of a bus lane during its operational hours. Other traffic must not cross this line or drive in the lane unless otherwise indicated by signs or to avoid an accident. Dashed lines indicate where other vehicles may cross if necessary.
Question 5: You are driving your PCV and see a large, blue rectangular sign with white text and symbols. What type of information does this sign generally provide?
- A warning of an upcoming hazard.
- A mandatory instruction that must be obeyed.
- A prohibition, such as a speed limit.
- Directional or informational guidance, especially on motorways. (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Directional or informational guidance, especially on motorways.
Rectangular signs are used to provide information. Specifically, blue rectangular signs are used for providing information and directions on motorways. Green signs are used for primary routes, and white for non-primary routes.
Question 6: While driving a coach, you see a triangular sign with a red border showing two black arrows pointing in opposite directions, one up and one down. What does this sign warn you of?
- You have priority over oncoming traffic.
- The road ahead is for two-way traffic. (Correct answer)
- A sharp deviation of route to the left then right.
- Oncoming traffic has priority.
Correct answer: The road ahead is for two-way traffic.
A triangular sign with a red border is a warning sign. The symbol of two arrows pointing in opposite vertical directions warns that you are on, or about to enter, a road with two-way traffic. This is often used after a section of one-way road.
You are driving a coach and see a circular sign with a red border and the number '50' inside.
What does this sign mean?