There are 55 PCV theory test Environmental Issues questions. You must get 85% (47 out of 55) to pass the test. You may review answers after each question by clicking the 'check answer' button or you can wait until the end of the test for your final score. Good luck!
PCV Theory Test: Environmental Issues Quick View
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Correct Answer: C
Explanation: If your suspension is damaged, all the weight of the vehicle compresses the road and anything located below it. The vibrations travel through the ground and can also damage surrounding buildings.
Explanation: If your suspension is damaged, all the weight of the vehicle compresses the road and anything located below it. The vibrations travel through the ground and can also damage surrounding buildings.
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: This is the sign for a tram. These vehicles are powered by electricity and reduce the emissions released into the environment. As they can carry many people, they can help to reduce the number of other vehicles on the road.
Explanation: This is the sign for a tram. These vehicles are powered by electricity and reduce the emissions released into the environment. As they can carry many people, they can help to reduce the number of other vehicles on the road.
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Lorries and buses are much heavier than cars and will have a greater impact on the road surface.
Explanation: Lorries and buses are much heavier than cars and will have a greater impact on the road surface.
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: Air suspension reduces the pounding of the vehicle on an uneven road surface. This, in turn, reduces the vibrations transmitted to buildings and underground services along the route.
Explanation: Air suspension reduces the pounding of the vehicle on an uneven road surface. This, in turn, reduces the vibrations transmitted to buildings and underground services along the route.
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Good forward planning will reduce fuel consumption and engine emissions. This will cause less wear on the vehicle and its tyres, as well as reducing environmental pollution.
Explanation: Good forward planning will reduce fuel consumption and engine emissions. This will cause less wear on the vehicle and its tyres, as well as reducing environmental pollution.
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: By using a bypass, rather than joining the stop/start traffic in a town centre, you're less likely to be held up and can travel at a constant speed. Keeping to a constant speed will reduce the amount of pollution produced by your vehicle.
Explanation: By using a bypass, rather than joining the stop/start traffic in a town centre, you're less likely to be held up and can travel at a constant speed. Keeping to a constant speed will reduce the amount of pollution produced by your vehicle.
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: If you plan your journey to avoid busy times, you can avoid congestion. That way, your overall journey time may be reduced, so cutting costs and making you a more efficient driver.
Explanation: If you plan your journey to avoid busy times, you can avoid congestion. That way, your overall journey time may be reduced, so cutting costs and making you a more efficient driver.
8. You've just refilled your fuel tank. What must you check before driving away from the fuel pump?
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Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Leaving the filler cap off, or not properly securing it, could result in a spillage of diesel onto the road. Because diesel is slippery, this would be a major hazard, so make sure to correctly secure the filler cap after use.
Explanation: Leaving the filler cap off, or not properly securing it, could result in a spillage of diesel onto the road. Because diesel is slippery, this would be a major hazard, so make sure to correctly secure the filler cap after use.
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Fuel spilled on the road is a serious danger to other road users, especially motorcyclists. To prevent this from happening, make sure the filler cap is secure after refuelling.
Explanation: Fuel spilled on the road is a serious danger to other road users, especially motorcyclists. To prevent this from happening, make sure the filler cap is secure after refuelling.
10. You're following a lorry that's leaking fuel. What should you be especially aware of?
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Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Leaking fuel can make the road extremely slippery. Look out for this, particularly on roundabouts.
Explanation: Leaking fuel can make the road extremely slippery. Look out for this, particularly on roundabouts.
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: Suspension faults may result in road damage. Road-friendly suspension reduces the impact on the environment, the road surface and under-road services.
Explanation: Suspension faults may result in road damage. Road-friendly suspension reduces the impact on the environment, the road surface and under-road services.
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: You should always plan your route. This will ensure you always drive on roads that are suitable for the size and weight of your vehicle. By planning to avoid peak travel times, you can also avoid congestion. This can save you fuel, as well as reducing your journey times.
Explanation: You should always plan your route. This will ensure you always drive on roads that are suitable for the size and weight of your vehicle. By planning to avoid peak travel times, you can also avoid congestion. This can save you fuel, as well as reducing your journey times.
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Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Low-sulphur diesel reduces the levels of sulphur-dioxide particles in exhaust emissions. It's widely available and makes a contribution to reducing emissions that are harmful to human health.
Explanation: Low-sulphur diesel reduces the levels of sulphur-dioxide particles in exhaust emissions. It's widely available and makes a contribution to reducing emissions that are harmful to human health.
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Sulphur produces acidic gases. Diesel fuels with lower sulphur content have been produced to reduce exhaust emissions that harm both people and the environment.
Explanation: Sulphur produces acidic gases. Diesel fuels with lower sulphur content have been produced to reduce exhaust emissions that harm both people and the environment.
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: Make certain that your filler caps are properly closed, so that you don't spill fuel as you drive along the road.
Explanation: Make certain that your filler caps are properly closed, so that you don't spill fuel as you drive along the road.
16. You're driving between the hours of 11.30 pm and 7.00 am. When must you switch off your vehicle's reverse warning bleeper?
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Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Your vehicle will make more noise than a car, so you should try to avoid making unnecessary noise at any time of the day or night. This is especially important when you're in a residential area at a time when people are likely to be sleeping.
Explanation: Your vehicle will make more noise than a car, so you should try to avoid making unnecessary noise at any time of the day or night. This is especially important when you're in a residential area at a time when people are likely to be sleeping.
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Use your air conditioning only when it's absolutely necessary. Running it continuously increases overall fuel consumption by up to 15%.
Explanation: Use your air conditioning only when it's absolutely necessary. Running it continuously increases overall fuel consumption by up to 15%.
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: Air suspension provides a smoother journey than traditional suspension and transmits less vibration to the road surface, under-road services and nearby structures, such as bridges. It's considered to be environmentally friendly because it reduces damage to the road network.
Explanation: Air suspension provides a smoother journey than traditional suspension and transmits less vibration to the road surface, under-road services and nearby structures, such as bridges. It's considered to be environmentally friendly because it reduces damage to the road network.
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Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Some vehicles are fitted with an audible warning that sounds when the vehicle is reversing. This is an effective way to warn pedestrians and other road users of a reversing vehicle, but it doesn't take away the need to use effective observation all around your vehicle before and while you're reversing. Don't use the device in built-up areas between 11.30 pm and 7.00 am. Have consideration for the residents and don't disturb them with excessive noise.
Explanation: Some vehicles are fitted with an audible warning that sounds when the vehicle is reversing. This is an effective way to warn pedestrians and other road users of a reversing vehicle, but it doesn't take away the need to use effective observation all around your vehicle before and while you're reversing. Don't use the device in built-up areas between 11.30 pm and 7.00 am. Have consideration for the residents and don't disturb them with excessive noise.
20. What are the consequences of driving your vehicle when it's emitting excessive exhaust smoke?
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Correct Answer: C
Explanation: It's illegal to drive a vehicle that's emitting excessive exhaust smoke, so you should get the problem fixed as soon as you're aware of it. Excessive exhaust smoke increases pollution and creates a hazard for other road users.
Explanation: It's illegal to drive a vehicle that's emitting excessive exhaust smoke, so you should get the problem fixed as soon as you're aware of it. Excessive exhaust smoke increases pollution and creates a hazard for other road users.
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: Road-friendly suspension reduces the vibration caused by the impact of the wheels on the road surface.
Explanation: Road-friendly suspension reduces the vibration caused by the impact of the wheels on the road surface.
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: By planning your journey to avoid busy times, you'll avoid the build-up of traffic that often occurs.
Explanation: By planning your journey to avoid busy times, you'll avoid the build-up of traffic that often occurs.
23. You've parked for a short time in a town while you plan your route. What should you do while your vehicle is parked?
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Correct Answer: D
Explanation: Turning off the engine is safer and emits less fumes into the environment. Leaving the engine idling unnecessarily will also waste fuel.
Explanation: Turning off the engine is safer and emits less fumes into the environment. Leaving the engine idling unnecessarily will also waste fuel.
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: All drivers should play their part to protect the environment against traffic pollution. Make sure the vehicle you drive is properly maintained. Report any defects, such as excessive exhaust smoke, as soon as you can.
Explanation: All drivers should play their part to protect the environment against traffic pollution. Make sure the vehicle you drive is properly maintained. Report any defects, such as excessive exhaust smoke, as soon as you can.
25. Diesel fuel has been spilled on the road. Which road users will this be a particular danger for?
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Correct Answer: D
Explanation: Spilt diesel creates a serious risk to other road users, especially motorcyclists. Take care when refuelling and make sure that all filler caps and tank hatches are properly closed and secure.
Explanation: Spilt diesel creates a serious risk to other road users, especially motorcyclists. Take care when refuelling and make sure that all filler caps and tank hatches are properly closed and secure.
26. You're driving in a built-up area between 11.30 pm and 7.00 am. For what reason can you sound the vehicle's horn?
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Correct Answer: D
Explanation: The horn shouldn't be used between 11.30 pm and 7.00 am in a built-up area. The only exception is when another road user is unaware of you and poses a danger.
Explanation: The horn shouldn't be used between 11.30 pm and 7.00 am in a built-up area. The only exception is when another road user is unaware of you and poses a danger.
27. Spilled diesel makes the road very slippery. Which vehicles will be most at risk from this hazard?
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Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Take care to secure caps and tank hatches. Diesel is very slippery and, if spilled on the road, it's particularly dangerous to motorcyclists.
Explanation: Take care to secure caps and tank hatches. Diesel is very slippery and, if spilled on the road, it's particularly dangerous to motorcyclists.
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Don't drive without a fuel filler cap in place, as fuel could spill onto the road, especially when you're cornering or turning at a roundabout. Diesel fuel will make the road surface extremely slippery. Any spillage should be reported, so that the emergency services can make the road safe.
Explanation: Don't drive without a fuel filler cap in place, as fuel could spill onto the road, especially when you're cornering or turning at a roundabout. Diesel fuel will make the road surface extremely slippery. Any spillage should be reported, so that the emergency services can make the road safe.
29. Before starting a journey, it's wise to plan ahead. What would you do to help plan your route?
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Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Planning your journey before you set out can make the drive much easier and reduce traffic congestion. Look at a map to help you do this. You may need maps of different scales, depending on where and how far you're going. Printing or writing down the route can also help. Don't look at the map while you're driving; stop somewhere safe before checking your route again.
Explanation: Planning your journey before you set out can make the drive much easier and reduce traffic congestion. Look at a map to help you do this. You may need maps of different scales, depending on where and how far you're going. Printing or writing down the route can also help. Don't look at the map while you're driving; stop somewhere safe before checking your route again.
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Most motoring organisation websites allow you to create a detailed plan of your trip, showing directions and distances. Some also include advice on rest and fuel stops. The Traffic England website will give you information on roadworks and incidents, along with expected delay times.
Explanation: Most motoring organisation websites allow you to create a detailed plan of your trip, showing directions and distances. Some also include advice on rest and fuel stops. The Traffic England website will give you information on roadworks and incidents, along with expected delay times.
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: Various route planners are available on the internet. Most of them give you options, allowing you to choose the most direct route, the quickest route or a scenic route. The plans may also include rest and fuel stops. Print them off and take them with you, but don't look at them while you're actually driving.
Explanation: Various route planners are available on the internet. Most of them give you options, allowing you to choose the most direct route, the quickest route or a scenic route. The plans may also include rest and fuel stops. Print them off and take them with you, but don't look at them while you're actually driving.
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Print or write down your route before setting out. Some places aren't well signed, so using both place names and road numbers may help you avoid getting lost. Find out how far you'll be travelling and plan your rest stops into the route.
Explanation: Print or write down your route before setting out. Some places aren't well signed, so using both place names and road numbers may help you avoid getting lost. Find out how far you'll be travelling and plan your rest stops into the route.
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Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Avoiding busy times means that you're not adding needlessly to traffic congestion. Other advantages are that you'll use less fuel and you may have an easier journey, making you feel less stressed.
Explanation: Avoiding busy times means that you're not adding needlessly to traffic congestion. Other advantages are that you'll use less fuel and you may have an easier journey, making you feel less stressed.
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: If possible, avoid the early morning, late afternoon and early evening peak times. Doing this should allow you to miss the worst daily traffic jams and to travel in a more relaxed frame of mind, arriving at your destination feeling less stressed.
Explanation: If possible, avoid the early morning, late afternoon and early evening peak times. Doing this should allow you to miss the worst daily traffic jams and to travel in a more relaxed frame of mind, arriving at your destination feeling less stressed.
35. Planning your route before starting a journey is a good idea. Why should you also plan an alternative route?
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Correct Answer: D
Explanation: It can be frustrating and worrying to find your planned route is blocked by roadworks or diversions. If you've planned an alternative, you'll feel less stressed and able to concentrate fully on your driving. If your original route is mostly on motorways, it's a good idea to plan an alternative using non-motorway roads. Always carry a map with you just in case you need to refer to it - but stop driving before you do so.
Explanation: It can be frustrating and worrying to find your planned route is blocked by roadworks or diversions. If you've planned an alternative, you'll feel less stressed and able to concentrate fully on your driving. If your original route is mostly on motorways, it's a good idea to plan an alternative using non-motorway roads. Always carry a map with you just in case you need to refer to it - but stop driving before you do so.
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: By driving smoothly, you'll reduce fuel consumption by about 15%, and you'll reduce the amount of wear and tear on your vehicle. You'll also feel more relaxed and have a more pleasant journey.
Explanation: By driving smoothly, you'll reduce fuel consumption by about 15%, and you'll reduce the amount of wear and tear on your vehicle. You'll also feel more relaxed and have a more pleasant journey.
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Missing out intermediate gears, when appropriate, reduces the amount of time you spend accelerating. Your vehicle uses the most fuel when you're accelerating, so reducing this will reduce your vehicle's fuel consumption.
Explanation: Missing out intermediate gears, when appropriate, reduces the amount of time you spend accelerating. Your vehicle uses the most fuel when you're accelerating, so reducing this will reduce your vehicle's fuel consumption.
38. Usually, a rev counter is divided into coloured bands. Which band should you stay in for maximum fuel economy?
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Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Most large vehicles have a rev counter (tachometer) that's divided into coloured bands. This helps you to drive in the most fuel-efficient way and avoid damage to the engine. The green band is the one that gives adequate torque and power with optimum fuel economy.
Explanation: Most large vehicles have a rev counter (tachometer) that's divided into coloured bands. This helps you to drive in the most fuel-efficient way and avoid damage to the engine. The green band is the one that gives adequate torque and power with optimum fuel economy.
39. What would be the most likely effect of driving with the rev counter in the red band?
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Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Driving with the rev counter in the red band will cause the engine to wear prematurely and can lead to expensive repairs. This could result in the vehicle being off the road for some time.
Explanation: Driving with the rev counter in the red band will cause the engine to wear prematurely and can lead to expensive repairs. This could result in the vehicle being off the road for some time.
40. What can be expected after drivers complete a Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (Driver CPC)?
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Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Better knowledge and use of ecosafe driving techniques can result in lower fuel consumption and emissions. Other benefits include improved road safety and greater professionalism.
Explanation: Better knowledge and use of ecosafe driving techniques can result in lower fuel consumption and emissions. Other benefits include improved road safety and greater professionalism.
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Less fuel will be used to move your vehicle at the same speed if you use a tyre with reduced rolling resistance, rather than one of normal construction. Low-rolling-resistance tyres aren't all the same; they have ratings for rolling resistance, wet-weather grip and noise. Specialists can advise on the best tyres for specific requirements.
Explanation: Less fuel will be used to move your vehicle at the same speed if you use a tyre with reduced rolling resistance, rather than one of normal construction. Low-rolling-resistance tyres aren't all the same; they have ratings for rolling resistance, wet-weather grip and noise. Specialists can advise on the best tyres for specific requirements.
42. Your vehicle is fitted with an engine management system. What will happen if you press the accelerator when you're starting the engine?
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Correct Answer: A
Explanation: When starting an engine fitted with an engine management system, you don't need to press the accelerator, because the engine management system automatically regulates the fuel/air supply. Using the accelerator at start-up wastes fuel, causes increased engine noise and is harmful to the environment.
Explanation: When starting an engine fitted with an engine management system, you don't need to press the accelerator, because the engine management system automatically regulates the fuel/air supply. Using the accelerator at start-up wastes fuel, causes increased engine noise and is harmful to the environment.
43. What benefit is expected to come from having a Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (Driver CPC) qualification?
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Correct Answer: A
Explanation: The Driver CPC qualification and training syllabus is designed to lead to enhanced professionalism and improvements in road safety. Other expected benefits are a general reduction in fuel consumption and emissions, resulting from a better knowledge of ecosafe driving techniques.
Explanation: The Driver CPC qualification and training syllabus is designed to lead to enhanced professionalism and improvements in road safety. Other expected benefits are a general reduction in fuel consumption and emissions, resulting from a better knowledge of ecosafe driving techniques.
44. You've been stopped at a roadside check. What would staff from the environmental health department be checking?
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Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Local-authority environmental health departments check vehicles' exhaust emissions. They have the power to prosecute the driver and the operator, as do enforcement bodies such as DVSA.
Explanation: Local-authority environmental health departments check vehicles' exhaust emissions. They have the power to prosecute the driver and the operator, as do enforcement bodies such as DVSA.
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Driving in an ecosafe manner means that you plan well ahead for hazards and react in good time. This can save fuel and is therefore good for the environment.
Explanation: Driving in an ecosafe manner means that you plan well ahead for hazards and react in good time. This can save fuel and is therefore good for the environment.
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Using cruise control can help save fuel. The sensitive electronics make continuous micro-adjustments that improve efficiency. It should only be used when you can see well ahead in good road conditions. Be prepared to switch it off immediately if the traffic situation changes.
Explanation: Using cruise control can help save fuel. The sensitive electronics make continuous micro-adjustments that improve efficiency. It should only be used when you can see well ahead in good road conditions. Be prepared to switch it off immediately if the traffic situation changes.
47. How would you benefit from forward planning and early recognition of potential hazards?
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Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Poor planning leads to late braking and harsh acceleration. This causes higher fuel consumption and increased emissions, which is harmful to the environment.
Explanation: Poor planning leads to late braking and harsh acceleration. This causes higher fuel consumption and increased emissions, which is harmful to the environment.
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Using air conditioning continuously can increase fuel consumption by about 15%. Think of the environment and only use it when it's necessary.
Explanation: Using air conditioning continuously can increase fuel consumption by about 15%. Think of the environment and only use it when it's necessary.
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Correct Answer: C
Explanation: A number of ancillary systems use power from the engine to operate. The downside to this is that fuel consumption can increase. Air conditioning can increase fuel consumption by up to 15%.
Explanation: A number of ancillary systems use power from the engine to operate. The downside to this is that fuel consumption can increase. Air conditioning can increase fuel consumption by up to 15%.
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Correct Answer: D
Explanation: If you have to wait for long periods of time, you should turn your engine off. Noise and exhaust fumes can cause annoyance as well as pollution.
Explanation: If you have to wait for long periods of time, you should turn your engine off. Noise and exhaust fumes can cause annoyance as well as pollution.
51. You're waiting for some time in a stationary traffic queue. Why should you switch off your engine?
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Correct Answer: B
Explanation: When you're stationary for any length of time (for example, in a traffic jam), switch off your engine. This will cut exhaust emissions and so help to protect the environment.
Explanation: When you're stationary for any length of time (for example, in a traffic jam), switch off your engine. This will cut exhaust emissions and so help to protect the environment.
52. You've been waiting in a traffic queue for several minutes. What should you do if it's clear that you won't be moving soon?
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Correct Answer: D
Explanation: Switch your engine off when you're stationary for some time, especially where noise and exhaust fumes may cause annoyance. This can help to protect the environment and save fuel.
Explanation: Switch your engine off when you're stationary for some time, especially where noise and exhaust fumes may cause annoyance. This can help to protect the environment and save fuel.
53. What effect will continuous use of the air-conditioning system have on fuel consumption?
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Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Avoid using air-conditioning systems for long periods, as they can increase fuel consumption by about 15%. Try to drive with fuel economy and the environment in mind.
Explanation: Avoid using air-conditioning systems for long periods, as they can increase fuel consumption by about 15%. Try to drive with fuel economy and the environment in mind.
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Vehicle designers and bus drivers have a duty to help reduce the effects of pollution on the environment. The most environmentally friendly way to allow air pressure to build up is with the engine running at tick-over.
Explanation: Vehicle designers and bus drivers have a duty to help reduce the effects of pollution on the environment. The most environmentally friendly way to allow air pressure to build up is with the engine running at tick-over.
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: It's a legal requirement that you check all filler caps are properly closed and secure after refuelling your vehicle.
Explanation: It's a legal requirement that you check all filler caps are properly closed and secure after refuelling your vehicle.