Safer driving for London PHV drivers

Section 7 of the handbook is about driving to the highest standard. It covers behaviour on the road and the condition of your vehicle. It is a good section to read slowly, because it is full of specific rules rather than general advice.

Why it matters

The handbook says PHV drivers spend a lot of time on the road and are almost twice as likely as private car drivers to be involved in a collision that results in the death or serious injury of a cyclist. That is the handbook's statement, and it is the reason the section spends so long on cycle safety.

The four behaviours to master

Safe speeds. Drive within the limit and at a speed that suits the situation, environment and weather. The faster you go, the less time you have to avoid a collision and the worse the injuries.

Safe manoeuvres. Look carefully when pulling out of junctions, turning across traffic or passing cyclists and motorcyclists. The handbook notes that careless or dangerous driving is a serious offence with heavy penalties.

Concentration. Do not get distracted by phones, other devices, music or passengers. If you need to make or answer a call, stop safely, park and turn the engine off. It is illegal to use a hand-held phone or similar device while driving, including when stopped in traffic, unless you are calling the emergency services in a genuine emergency and it is unsafe or impractical to stop.

No alcohol or drugs. Never drive under the influence. The police test at the roadside. If you take prescription medicine, check with your doctor that it is safe to drive.

Before a journey

The handbook lists laws you must follow before you set off: insurance, a current MOT certificate, a driving licence, seatbelts and not driving a faulty vehicle. It also says all drivers must keep their vehicle maintained to the required standard.

Seatbelts and children

• All adults must wear a seatbelt, and you should encourage adult passengers to wear one.
• You are responsible for making sure all children under 14 wear seatbelts or sit in an approved child car seat.
• If the correct child seat is not available, a child can travel without one only on a rear seat. They wear an adult seatbelt if aged 3 or over, and travel without a seatbelt if under 3.

Breaking these rules can bring a fixed penalty notice or prosecution, with fines, points or a driving ban, and you could also lose your PHV driver licence.

Other road users

Pedestrians: expect people to step out suddenly, and give way to pedestrians on side roads. Cyclists: take particular care when turning, in slow traffic and when pulling away from lights, and give them enough room when overtaking. Motorcyclists: watch for them when turning and in slow traffic. The handbook also asks you to remind passengers to check before they open a door into the road, and to do the same yourself.

Cycle safety tips from the handbook

• Always check for moving cyclists, pedestrians and motorcyclists, even if most vehicles are stopped.
• Look out for cyclists when checking mirrors before indicating or changing speed or direction.
• Check over your shoulder before opening your door.
• Indicate when turning or changing lanes, even if you think nobody is near, and do so well in advance.
• Cancel your indicator when finished so you do not confuse others.
• Do not enter the advanced stop line box at a red light. It is for cyclists, and you may be fined and get points.
• Keep a safe distance and do not overtake without enough room. Give a cyclist as much space as you would another car, and wait patiently if one is riding in the middle of the lane.

Windscreen vision

The handbook quotes the Highway Code: windscreens and windows must be kept clean and free from obstructions to vision. Do not fix anything to your windscreen that stops you seeing the road, including phones and sat navs. A cradled device placed in the area covered by your wipers (the swept area) is an offence, and you may be fined and get penalty points. Before every journey, check you have a clear view through all the glass and that no device or signage blocks it.

Tiredness, weather and night driving

Tiredness can have a similar effect to drinking alcohol, says the handbook. Plan regular breaks and do not start a journey if you are already tired. Slow down if heavy rain or thick fog arrives. At night, take extra care, because pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists can be harder to see.

Daily vehicle checks

You are responsible for checking that your vehicle is safe and legal. The handbook sets out what to look at.

Driver's area: seat and seatbelt secure and in good condition, steering wheel secure, anti-slip pedal covers, working handbrake, no warning lights after start-up, working indicators, horn, washers and wipers, working window mechanisms, and a clear view in all mirrors.

Passenger area: clean, with everything in working order. That includes seatbelts on all passenger seats, upholstery, headlining, carpets and door trims, courtesy lights, wheelchair belts if applicable, doors and locks, the heater, no smoking signs, and CCTV signage if a CCTV system is fitted.

Wheels and tyres: correct size, speed and weight rating for your vehicle, with all wheel nuts in place. No cuts, lumps, bulges, tears, excessive or uneven wear, or serious rim damage. If the tread has worn to the wear bar indicators, replace the tyre.

Outside: no leaking fluids under the vehicle, all lights and reflectors present and working, no badly repaired or seriously damaged body panels, no serious rust leaving sharp edges, and windows clean, undamaged and free of unapproved signage or advertising.

The handbook's glossary adds that the minimum legal tread depth is 1.6 mm across the tread.

What to do with this

Turn the vehicle list into a two-minute walk-round at the start of each shift. See also our guide to vehicle licence and insurance basics.

General information from the handbook, not legal advice. Check the Highway Code for the full rules.