CPC — Bus & Coach Practical Test.

Risk of hitting objects on the left such as:

• Trees.
• Signs.
• Buildings.
• Other vehicles.
• Poles on the left.

• Watch for cyclists and motorcyclists close to the kerb in front of you.
• Watch for cyclists and motorcyclists coming up on your left.
• Avoid overtaking a cyclist as you approach a junction if you intend to turn left.
• Allow extra space to cyclists, particularly on a wet or windy day.
• Be aware of the amount of space needed and the way the vehicle overhangs.

• Turning left.
• Turning right.
• At roundabouts.
• Entering or exiting premises.
• Overtaking.
• Parking.

• Braking should be controlled — not sudden or severe.
• Braking should be done in good time, scanning ahead continuously in order to allow you to stop safely within the distance you can see to be clear.
• Braking should only be done when travelling in a straight line where possible.
• Avoid braking while turning, especially at low speeds.

• Assess the distance between front and rear axle of the vehicle.
• Assess the width of the vehicle.
• Assess the height of the vehicle and ground clearance.
• Assess the height of the kerb.
• Be careful to ensure there is adequate clearance to the right when turning left.
• Be careful to ensure there is adequate clearance to the left when turning right.

• Look for Bus Lane signage (times of operation etc.).
• Use mirrors, signal and manoeuvre (MSM/PLS) to enter and exit the Bus Lane.
• Scan ahead for junctions exiting the Bus Lane.
• Watch out for pedestrians crossing.
• Watch out for obstructions on Bus Lanes (broken down vehicles).
• Give way to other vehicles when exiting Bus Lanes.
• Be aware that cyclists, taxis and emergency vehicles are allowed to use with-flow Bus Lanes.
• In a Contra-flow Bus Lane, watch out for traffic coming towards you.

• Should not use phone while driving.
• Should not use personal entertainment equipment through earphones.
• Should not use internal communication equipment while driving if not hands-free.
• Should not be distracted by TV/Video while driving.
• Should not attempt to look at a map or read directions while driving.

• Treat passengers in a courteous manner.
• Look directly at passengers when you speak.
• Provide assistance with luggage.
• Allow passengers to enter and exit safely from the vehicle.
• Assist old or infirm passengers on and off the vehicle.

• Provide assistance if required (stow away wheelchair securely if required).
• Allow extra time for passenger to be seated.
• Move off smoothly.
• Avoid fast cornering.
• Allow extra time for passenger to exit the vehicle and offer assistance if needed.
• Make sure you know how to use any passenger lifts, ramps and securing devices.

• Weather conditions.
• Vehicle restrictions i.e. Height / Weight.
• Potential road works / diversions.
• Relevant documentation e.g. Crossing Borders, Licences, TACO card.

• Passengers thrown forward.
• Undue stress on vehicle components.
• Risk of skid.
• Risk of loss of traction.
• Risk of vehicle overturning.

• Assess the speed and select appropriate gear.
• Assess the load and select appropriate gear.
• Assess the road level — uphill or downhill — and select appropriate gear.
• Assess how the engine is responding to load and select the appropriate gear.
• Assess the weight of luggage and select the appropriate gear.
• Listen to the engine sounds and select the appropriate gear to avoid labouring or over-revving.

The tester expects you to:

• Physically locate and point out the GVW plate on the vehicle.
• State the Gross Vehicle Weight shown on that plate.

Know your vehicle's GVW before test day.

• Know the weight of your vehicle (GVW).
• Know the purpose of your trip.
• Give a weight allowance to each passenger.
• Check luggage weights yourself.
• Distribute load evenly.

• Less stable.
• Difficult to steer.
• Longer to stop.
• Strain on tyres.
• Insurance implications.
• Damage to bridges and roads.
• Increases fuel consumption.
• Unfair to other operators.

• Violent steering.
• Harsh acceleration.
• Sudden braking.
• Braking hard while cornering.
• Wind forces.

• Slashed seats.
• Graffiti.
• Missile throwing.
• Broken windows.

• Check overhead luggage compartments.
• Check under seats.
• Open and check the main luggage compartments.
• Open the bonnet and inspect the engine compartment.
• Open and check the windscreen washer, tools and oil filler compartments.
• Inspect the spare wheel compartment.
• Count the number of passengers.
• Check the passengers' tickets.

• Secure parking place.
• Entry doors all locked.
• Set anti-theft device.
• Do not allow passengers to leave personal belongings on display or unattended.
• Lock luggage compartment.
• Do not allow passengers to board while driver is absent.

• External compartments.
• Internal compartments.
• On-board toilet.
• Seating area.
• Passenger luggage.

• Fine.
• Imprisonment (12 months).
• Fine and imprisonment for up to 10 years.

• Correct seat adjustment and correct head restraint adjustment if fitted.
• Correct mirror adjustment.
• Correct adjustment of all controls.
• Steering wheel adjustment.

• Unnecessary presence in workshop.
• Lifting heavy suitcases.
• Lack of personal protective equipment when handling maintenance materials.
• Lack of knowledge while operating chair lifts or kneeling mechanisms.
• Lack of knowledge in the event of emergencies or breakdowns.
• Know the risk of working under a raised cowl.

• Open window slightly for fresh air.
• Keep cabin area at a temperature that is not too warm (adjust heater controls).
• Avoid heavy meals.
• Take regular breaks.

• Suitcases can be very heavy.
• Suitcases can be very large and unwieldy.
• Not enough room to carry out proper handling technique.
• Over-frequent physical effort involving the spine in particular.
• Variations in floor levels (ground to bus).
• Incorrect clothing/footwear for manual handling.

• High-Visibility jacket.
• High-Visibility vest.
• Gloves.
• Boots.

• Bus secured (handbrake on, wheels chocked if available).
• Power & fuel — switched off.
• Put on Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
• Passenger safety — ensure passengers are clear of the vehicle.
• Place warning triangle at appropriate distance.
• Summon help.

• Watch for pedestrians near the edge of footpath — they can be drawn in.
• Watch out for cyclists as they are vulnerable to being drawn under the wheels.
• Watch out for motor/bike/moped riders as they are vulnerable to being drawn under the wheels.

• Mirrors.
• Excessive exhaust smoke.
• Tyres.
• Brakes.
• Wheel nuts.
• Lights.
• Lenses & reflectors.
• Windscreen wipers.
• Number plates.

• 112 or 999.

• The airway must be clear and kept open.
• Breathing must be established and maintained.
• Circulation must be maintained and severe bleeding stopped.

• Stop as quickly as possible.
• Evacuate passengers to a safe place.
• Summon help.
• Tackle fire with extinguisher if safe to do so.

• Tell the passengers what is happening.
• Give them accurate information on a need-to-know basis.
• Get them off the bus carefully and select a safe place for them to wait.
• Do not allow people to wander.
• Summon help.

• Do not move off until they are seated.
• Do not allow disembarkation until the vehicle has stopped moving and is secured.
• Do not drive a vehicle which has a serious defect.
• Do not speed or take risks.
• Do not race or obstruct other operators' vehicles.
• Do not allow boarding until the vehicle has stopped moving and is secure.

• Remain calm and reassure passengers on the bus.
• Summon help (radio / mobile phone).
• Follow company procedures.
• Ask passenger to leave the bus.
• Seek medical attention if required.
• Report incidents.

• Exchange details of any other driver or road user involved in the accident.
• Obtain names and addresses of any witnesses who saw the accident.
• Take notes of the scene so that you have the information when you need it — time, place, reg. numbers, weather, lighting, road conditions, signs, traffic lights, and statements made by other people.