There are 49 PCV theory test Vehicle Weights and Dimensions questions. You must get 85% (42 out of 49) 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: Vehicle Weights and Dimensions Quick View
Click the question box to reveal the correct answer. You can print the PCV Theory Test: Vehicle Weights and Dimensions questions and answers by clicking the printer icon below.
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Always look out for road signs, but be especially aware of those that refer to large or heavy vehicles. Get into the habit of checking for signs at junctions. There might be an indication on the junction layout sign. Before you turn, make sure that the road you're using doesn't have any restrictions for the vehicle you're driving.
Explanation: Always look out for road signs, but be especially aware of those that refer to large or heavy vehicles. Get into the habit of checking for signs at junctions. There might be an indication on the junction layout sign. Before you turn, make sure that the road you're using doesn't have any restrictions for the vehicle you're driving.
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: It's essential to know the height of your vehicle before setting off. This should be clearly marked, usually in the cab, and visible from the driving position. Look out for restrictions that you may not have seen on a map - they may be temporary.
Explanation: It's essential to know the height of your vehicle before setting off. This should be clearly marked, usually in the cab, and visible from the driving position. Look out for restrictions that you may not have seen on a map - they may be temporary.
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Always be aware of the height of the vehicle you're driving, particularly if you drive different vehicles. If you use a sat-nav, it may show you the height and weight limits on UK roads.
Explanation: Always be aware of the height of the vehicle you're driving, particularly if you drive different vehicles. If you use a sat-nav, it may show you the height and weight limits on UK roads.
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: If you're driving a high vehicle, make sure that there's enough headroom available for you to go through the tunnel. There may be additional signs showing height and width restrictions.
Explanation: If you're driving a high vehicle, make sure that there's enough headroom available for you to go through the tunnel. There may be additional signs showing height and width restrictions.
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: As well as a height restriction, the tunnel may have a restriction on the available width of headroom for high vehicles. The advance warning gives you the opportunity to find another route if your vehicle is too high or wide to drive through the tunnel.
Explanation: As well as a height restriction, the tunnel may have a restriction on the available width of headroom for high vehicles. The advance warning gives you the opportunity to find another route if your vehicle is too high or wide to drive through the tunnel.
6. When must you take extra care if you're driving a vehicle more than 3.0 metres (10 feet) high?
Mark one answer
B
C
D
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: You must take care when approaching any hazard where height is limited. Know the height of your vehicle and what you can drive under safely. If you aren't sure that it's safe, take another route.
Explanation: You must take care when approaching any hazard where height is limited. Know the height of your vehicle and what you can drive under safely. If you aren't sure that it's safe, take another route.
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: If a height isn't shown on the bridge, the headroom [in the UK] will be at least 5 metres [16 feet 6 inches].
Explanation: If a height isn't shown on the bridge, the headroom [in the UK] will be at least 5 metres [16 feet 6 inches].
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Hitting a bridge with your vehicle can have serious consequences for road and rail traffic. You must tell the police about the incident immediately. If the bridge is a railway bridge, call the railway authority as well as the police to report the incident.
Explanation: Hitting a bridge with your vehicle can have serious consequences for road and rail traffic. You must tell the police about the incident immediately. If the bridge is a railway bridge, call the railway authority as well as the police to report the incident.
9. Your vehicle has collided with a railway bridge. What information must you give the railway authority when you telephone them?
Mark one answer
B
C
D
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: The railway authority needs to know immediately if one of their bridges has been hit. You'll need to tell them the number of the bridge so they can identify it. The railway authority will then take action to prevent railway passengers from being put at risk.
Explanation: The railway authority needs to know immediately if one of their bridges has been hit. You'll need to tell them the number of the bridge so they can identify it. The railway authority will then take action to prevent railway passengers from being put at risk.
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: If your vehicle touches bells suspended over the road, they'll obviously ring. This will warn you that your vehicle exceeds the safe travelling height beneath electrified overhead cables ahead. You must stop immediately and either find another route or take advice.
Explanation: If your vehicle touches bells suspended over the road, they'll obviously ring. This will warn you that your vehicle exceeds the safe travelling height beneath electrified overhead cables ahead. You must stop immediately and either find another route or take advice.
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: You must always be aware of the size of your vehicle. Look out for road signs that show a width restriction. There should be an indication of this at the entrance to the road. Don't get into a situation where you have to reverse out of a narrow road because you haven't seen a sign.
Explanation: You must always be aware of the size of your vehicle. Look out for road signs that show a width restriction. There should be an indication of this at the entrance to the road. Don't get into a situation where you have to reverse out of a narrow road because you haven't seen a sign.
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Warning lights show when there's danger ahead. This includes
Explanation: Warning lights show when there's danger ahead. This includes
- lane closures
- incidents
- fog
- icy roads.
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Look out for variable-message warning signs telling you about
Explanation: Look out for variable-message warning signs telling you about
- lane closures
- speed limits
- hazards.
14. In which of these places might there be a restriction on vehicles over a certain length?
Mark one answer
B
C
D
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Look out for restrictions on long vehicles. Length restrictions are found where there isn't much room to turn (for example, in a tunnel) or where there's a risk of grounding.
Explanation: Look out for restrictions on long vehicles. Length restrictions are found where there isn't much room to turn (for example, in a tunnel) or where there's a risk of grounding.
15. At this roundabout, you want to take the fourth exit. What limit is in force on this road?
Mark one answer
B
C
D
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Look out for signs giving you advance warning of height restrictions. As a professional driver, you should always know the height of your vehicle or load. If you aren't sure of the safe height, stop and check.
Explanation: Look out for signs giving you advance warning of height restrictions. As a professional driver, you should always know the height of your vehicle or load. If you aren't sure of the safe height, stop and check.
16. You're driving a large vehicle on a narrow road with passing places. What will you need to be most aware of?
Mark one answer
B
C
D
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: If your vehicle is too long to fit into a passing place, you may need to wait opposite one. This will allow a following or approaching driver to pass. When you use this type of road, you need to plan and look well ahead to avoid meeting another road user at an inappropriate place.
Explanation: If your vehicle is too long to fit into a passing place, you may need to wait opposite one. This will allow a following or approaching driver to pass. When you use this type of road, you need to plan and look well ahead to avoid meeting another road user at an inappropriate place.
17. What type of road surface will increase your stopping distance by up to ten times?
Mark one answer
B
C
D
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: To prevent your wheels from locking, you'll need to brake very gently on ice. Give yourself as much room and time as possible to stop. If your front wheels lock, you can't steer, and that will mean you can't avoid any obstacle in your path.
Explanation: To prevent your wheels from locking, you'll need to brake very gently on ice. Give yourself as much room and time as possible to stop. If your front wheels lock, you can't steer, and that will mean you can't avoid any obstacle in your path.
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: It's vital that you give yourself enough separation distance when driving on icy roads - ten times as much as in normal conditions. You should brake gently to reduce the risk of losing control.
Explanation: It's vital that you give yourself enough separation distance when driving on icy roads - ten times as much as in normal conditions. You should brake gently to reduce the risk of losing control.
B
C
D
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Vehicles towing caravans or trailers on motorways are limited in two ways
Explanation: Vehicles towing caravans or trailers on motorways are limited in two ways
- the maximum speed is 60 mph
- on motorways with more than two lanes, towing vehicles aren't allowed in the outside lane, unless other lanes are closed.
B
C
D
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: When overtaking with a long vehicle, it's very important to be aware of the position of the road user you're passing. Check the nearside mirror to make sure you've passed safely before returning to the left. Be especially careful when overtaking motorcyclists, as they may be affected by the draught from your vehicle.
Explanation: When overtaking with a long vehicle, it's very important to be aware of the position of the road user you're passing. Check the nearside mirror to make sure you've passed safely before returning to the left. Be especially careful when overtaking motorcyclists, as they may be affected by the draught from your vehicle.
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: A vehicle is most stable when travelling in a straight line under gentle acceleration. Sudden acceleration, steering or braking can cause severe loss of control. For maximum control, keep your driving as smooth as possible.
Explanation: A vehicle is most stable when travelling in a straight line under gentle acceleration. Sudden acceleration, steering or braking can cause severe loss of control. For maximum control, keep your driving as smooth as possible.
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: You need to know the length of your vehicle as well as its weight, height and width. Places where the length of your vehicle may be relevant are
Explanation: You need to know the length of your vehicle as well as its weight, height and width. Places where the length of your vehicle may be relevant are
- road tunnels
- level crossings
- ferries
- bridges.
23. You're driving a long vehicle. What should you do when you want to turn right at a painted mini-roundabout?
Mark one answer
B
C
D
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: When turning at a mini-roundabout, it's unlikely that you'll be able to avoid going over the marked area. You should, however, avoid going over the roundabout where possible.
Explanation: When turning at a mini-roundabout, it's unlikely that you'll be able to avoid going over the marked area. You should, however, avoid going over the roundabout where possible.
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: You should plan your route to avoid vehicle width, height and weight restrictions that would affect your vehicle and load. Planning to avoid busy times can also reduce journey times and fuel costs.
Explanation: You should plan your route to avoid vehicle width, height and weight restrictions that would affect your vehicle and load. Planning to avoid busy times can also reduce journey times and fuel costs.
25. Your vehicle is more than 3 metres (9 feet 10 inches) high. Where is this information displayed?
Mark one answer
B
C
D
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: It's a legal requirement that information about a vehicle's height can be seen by the driver from their seat. It's important to know the height of your vehicle so that you can avoid any height restrictions on your route.
Explanation: It's a legal requirement that information about a vehicle's height can be seen by the driver from their seat. It's important to know the height of your vehicle so that you can avoid any height restrictions on your route.
26. The height of your vehicle is 4.2 metres (14 feet). What should you do as you approach this bridge?
Mark one answer
B
C
D
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: The headroom under bridges in the UK is at least 5 metres (16 feet 6 inches) unless marked otherwise. However, this might refer only to the highest point of an arch. If your vehicle hits a bridge, you must report the incident to the police. If a railway bridge is involved, you must also report it to the railway authority.
Explanation: The headroom under bridges in the UK is at least 5 metres (16 feet 6 inches) unless marked otherwise. However, this might refer only to the highest point of an arch. If your vehicle hits a bridge, you must report the incident to the police. If a railway bridge is involved, you must also report it to the railway authority.
B
C
D
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Every year, there are hundreds of incidents in the UK where vehicles hit railway or motorway bridges. Most involve buses, coaches and lorries. Make sure your route doesn't take you under a bridge that's too low for your vehicle. If you hit a bridge, you'll be putting yourself and any passengers at risk, and you could cause a major disruption to road and rail transport.
Explanation: Every year, there are hundreds of incidents in the UK where vehicles hit railway or motorway bridges. Most involve buses, coaches and lorries. Make sure your route doesn't take you under a bridge that's too low for your vehicle. If you hit a bridge, you'll be putting yourself and any passengers at risk, and you could cause a major disruption to road and rail transport.
28. Where can you park large vehicles at night without needing to use parking lights?
Mark one answer
B
C
D
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Off-road lorry and coach parks are often well lit and patrolled by police or security firms. Never leave your vehicle unlit on a public road or in a lay-by after dark.
Explanation: Off-road lorry and coach parks are often well lit and patrolled by police or security firms. Never leave your vehicle unlit on a public road or in a lay-by after dark.
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: Forward planning is important whenever you consider overtaking another road user. You should carefully assess the speed of the vehicle you intend to overtake. Remember that your vehicle's speed is limited and this could considerably increase the distance and time needed to complete the manoeuvre safely.
Explanation: Forward planning is important whenever you consider overtaking another road user. You should carefully assess the speed of the vehicle you intend to overtake. Remember that your vehicle's speed is limited and this could considerably increase the distance and time needed to complete the manoeuvre safely.
B
C
D
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Plan well ahead before overtaking. Be aware that a speed limiter may cause you difficulties when overtaking another vehicle, particularly when climbing a hill.
Explanation: Plan well ahead before overtaking. Be aware that a speed limiter may cause you difficulties when overtaking another vehicle, particularly when climbing a hill.
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: If you see this sign, be aware that there's a danger of grounding. This can happen where there's a pronounced bump in the road, such as at a level crossing or a hump bridge.
Explanation: If you see this sign, be aware that there's a danger of grounding. This can happen where there's a pronounced bump in the road, such as at a level crossing or a hump bridge.
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: At hump bridges, there's a risk of long vehicles grounding. If you aren't sure whether the floor of your vehicle will clear the bridge, find another route.
Explanation: At hump bridges, there's a risk of long vehicles grounding. If you aren't sure whether the floor of your vehicle will clear the bridge, find another route.
33. You're driving a long vehicle on a two-lane road. What should you do if you want to turn left into a narrow side road?
Mark one answer
B
C
D
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: When you're driving a long vehicle, you'll often need to straddle lanes to turn into narrow side roads. When you do this, watch out for smaller vehicles - especially motorcycles and cycles - trying to squeeze past on your inside.
Explanation: When you're driving a long vehicle, you'll often need to straddle lanes to turn into narrow side roads. When you do this, watch out for smaller vehicles - especially motorcycles and cycles - trying to squeeze past on your inside.
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Speed limiters may only be repaired by authorised speed-limiter centres. They'll ensure that all the connections are sealed and that the system is tamperproof.
Explanation: Speed limiters may only be repaired by authorised speed-limiter centres. They'll ensure that all the connections are sealed and that the system is tamperproof.
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Individual axle weights are shown on the vehicle plate. This can be found in a prominent place on both the vehicle and trailer.
Explanation: Individual axle weights are shown on the vehicle plate. This can be found in a prominent place on both the vehicle and trailer.
36. By approximately how much would 15 passengers increase the weight of your vehicle?
Mark one answer
B
C
D
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: You must be aware of the maximum authorised mass (MAM) of your vehicle. This refers to its total weight, including both passengers and luggage. Fifteen passengers would add approximately 1 tonne to the weight of your vehicle. You should also allow for any luggage that they may be carrying.
Explanation: You must be aware of the maximum authorised mass (MAM) of your vehicle. This refers to its total weight, including both passengers and luggage. Fifteen passengers would add approximately 1 tonne to the weight of your vehicle. You should also allow for any luggage that they may be carrying.
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Your bus will move away more slowly and handle differently when fully laden with passengers and their luggage. You'll have to make allowances for this, especially when moving off uphill.
Explanation: Your bus will move away more slowly and handle differently when fully laden with passengers and their luggage. You'll have to make allowances for this, especially when moving off uphill.
38. How would you know that a weight-limit sign doesn't apply to the bus you're driving?
Mark one answer
B
C
D
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Some weight restrictions apply to large goods vehicles only and not to passenger-carrying vehicles. Look for a plate beneath a restriction sign that indicates this. Road signs show weight restrictions in various ways. You should make yourself familiar with all of them, so that you're in no doubt about their meaning and relevance.
Explanation: Some weight restrictions apply to large goods vehicles only and not to passenger-carrying vehicles. Look for a plate beneath a restriction sign that indicates this. Road signs show weight restrictions in various ways. You should make yourself familiar with all of them, so that you're in no doubt about their meaning and relevance.
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: As a local-service bus driver, you may use the bus lane at any time. The restrictions apply to other road users, to keep the lane clear for you at peak times. Don't be tempted to speed when driving up the inside of slow-moving or stationary traffic. Be alert for pedestrians who may be trying to cross the road.
Explanation: As a local-service bus driver, you may use the bus lane at any time. The restrictions apply to other road users, to keep the lane clear for you at peak times. Don't be tempted to speed when driving up the inside of slow-moving or stationary traffic. Be alert for pedestrians who may be trying to cross the road.
B
C
D
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Don't be tempted to drive on the limiter when using dual carriageway roads. The speed limit for passenger-carrying vehicles is 60 mph. Be considerate to faster-moving traffic by not using the middle or outside lanes unnecessarily.
Explanation: Don't be tempted to drive on the limiter when using dual carriageway roads. The speed limit for passenger-carrying vehicles is 60 mph. Be considerate to faster-moving traffic by not using the middle or outside lanes unnecessarily.
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: The D1 category allows you to drive any bus with 9 to 16 passenger seats for hire or reward.
Explanation: The D1 category allows you to drive any bus with 9 to 16 passenger seats for hire or reward.
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: The driver of a passenger-carrying vehicle needs to know the vehicle's limits. These include its weight, height, width and length, and its seating and standing capacity. The unladen weight should be displayed on the nearside of the vehicle.
Explanation: The driver of a passenger-carrying vehicle needs to know the vehicle's limits. These include its weight, height, width and length, and its seating and standing capacity. The unladen weight should be displayed on the nearside of the vehicle.
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: A full category D licence entitles you to drive all buses and coaches, including the articulated type. A full category D licence on its own doesn't cover you to drive buses or coaches drawing detachable trailers of more than 750 kg; for this you'll need a D+E licence.
Explanation: A full category D licence entitles you to drive all buses and coaches, including the articulated type. A full category D licence on its own doesn't cover you to drive buses or coaches drawing detachable trailers of more than 750 kg; for this you'll need a D+E licence.
44. The front of your bus overhangs well past the front wheels. Why should you allow for this when cornering?
Mark one answer
B
C
D
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: The front of a bus or coach often extends well beyond the front wheels. Make allowances for this when turning. Try to avoid overhanging the pavement where possible, but if you have to do this, look out for fences, posts, traffic signs, etc. Be especially careful where pedestrians are present; for example, in bus stations.
Explanation: The front of a bus or coach often extends well beyond the front wheels. Make allowances for this when turning. Try to avoid overhanging the pavement where possible, but if you have to do this, look out for fences, posts, traffic signs, etc. Be especially careful where pedestrians are present; for example, in bus stations.
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: A bus equipped with a speed limiter must also be fitted with a plate showing the speed setting. This must be fitted in an obvious position, where it can be clearly seen.
Explanation: A bus equipped with a speed limiter must also be fitted with a plate showing the speed setting. This must be fitted in an obvious position, where it can be clearly seen.
46. A speed limiter is fitted to a bus. Where must the speed-limiter setting be displayed?
Mark one answer
B
C
D
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: If a speed limiter is fitted to a vehicle, there must be a notice showing the speed at which it's set, clearly displayed in the driver's cab.
Explanation: If a speed limiter is fitted to a vehicle, there must be a notice showing the speed at which it's set, clearly displayed in the driver's cab.
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Maximum authorised mass (MAM) means the total weight of a vehicle or trailer, including the maximum load that can be carried safely when it's being used on the road. It's also known as gross vehicle weight (GVW) or permissible maximum weight. You're responsible for making sure the MAM isn't exceeded when the vehicle is fully loaded.
Explanation: Maximum authorised mass (MAM) means the total weight of a vehicle or trailer, including the maximum load that can be carried safely when it's being used on the road. It's also known as gross vehicle weight (GVW) or permissible maximum weight. You're responsible for making sure the MAM isn't exceeded when the vehicle is fully loaded.
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: Most speed limiters work by taking a speed signal from the tachograph and transmitting it to the engine management system. This reduces the fuel supply to the engine, and allows the speed of the vehicle to be controlled to specific limits. The speed at which a limiter is set must be shown on a plate clearly displayed in the cab. You should be aware of the effect a speed limiter will have on your vehicle, especially when overtaking.
Explanation: Most speed limiters work by taking a speed signal from the tachograph and transmitting it to the engine management system. This reduces the fuel supply to the engine, and allows the speed of the vehicle to be controlled to specific limits. The speed at which a limiter is set must be shown on a plate clearly displayed in the cab. You should be aware of the effect a speed limiter will have on your vehicle, especially when overtaking.
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: You should be familiar with the room your vehicle needs to make turns or carry out a manoeuvre. You'll need to consider this as you approach junctions and road layouts. If you're driving a new or temporary vehicle, familiarise yourself with its characteristics before you drive on public roads.
Explanation: You should be familiar with the room your vehicle needs to make turns or carry out a manoeuvre. You'll need to consider this as you approach junctions and road layouts. If you're driving a new or temporary vehicle, familiarise yourself with its characteristics before you drive on public roads.