PCV Motorway Driving Rules 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the national speed limit for a coach on a motorway in the UK?
- 50 mph
- 60 mph
- 70 mph (Correct answer)
- 80 mph
Correct answer: 70 mph
Coaches have a motorway speed limit of 70 mph, the same as cars.
Coaches on motorways have a 70 mph limit, same as cars. Buses not classified as coaches have a 60 mph limit. Many operators set lower speed limiters for efficiency.
Question 2: When joining a motorway from a slip road, a PCV driver should:
- Stop at the end of the slip road and wait for a gap
- Build up speed on the slip road to match motorway traffic, check mirrors and signal, then merge safely (Correct answer)
- Drive directly into lane 2
- Use hazard lights while joining
Correct answer: Build up speed on the slip road to match motorway traffic, check mirrors and signal, then merge safely
Building up speed on the slip road to match traffic flow allows a smooth and safe merge.
Use the full acceleration lane to build speed, check mirrors early and repeatedly, signal right, look for a suitable gap in lane 1, and merge smoothly.
Question 3: What should you do if you miss your exit on a motorway?
- Reverse back to the exit
- Continue to the next exit and find an alternative route (Correct answer)
- Stop on the hard shoulder and walk back
- Make a U-turn at the next gap in the central reservation
Correct answer: Continue to the next exit and find an alternative route
Never reverse, stop, or make a U-turn on a motorway. Continue to the next junction.
It is illegal and dangerous to reverse, stop, or U-turn on a motorway. Continue to the next junction and reroute.
Question 4: On a smart motorway, what does a red X displayed on an overhead gantry above your lane mean?
- Slow down to 40 mph
- The lane is closed - you must not drive in it (Correct answer)
- There is a speed camera ahead
- Adverse weather conditions ahead
Correct answer: The lane is closed - you must not drive in it
A red X means the lane is closed and you must move out of it.
A red X means the lane is closed. Move out immediately. Driving in a red X lane is enforced by cameras and can result in fines and penalty points.
Question 5: What is the recommended minimum following distance for a coach on a motorway in dry conditions?
- 1 second
- 2 seconds
- At least 4 seconds or one metre per mph (Correct answer)
- The same as a car
Correct answer: At least 4 seconds or one metre per mph
A coach needs significantly more stopping distance than a car. At least 4 seconds or one metre per mph is recommended.
At 60 mph, maintain at least 60 metres following distance. Double in wet conditions. Use chevron markers where available as a guide.
Question 6: You experience a tyre blowout on the motorway. After stopping safely, which of the following should you NOT do?
- Switch on hazard warning lights
- Evacuate passengers behind the safety barrier
- Attempt to change the tyre yourself on the hard shoulder (Correct answer)
- Call your depot and emergency services
Correct answer: Attempt to change the tyre yourself on the hard shoulder
Changing a tyre on a motorway is extremely dangerous. Wait for professional recovery.
The hard shoulder is extremely hazardous. Evacuate passengers behind the barrier, use the emergency telephone, and wait for professional recovery.
