PCV Accessibility for Disabled Passengers 3

Question 1

What training are PCV drivers required to undertake regarding passenger assistance?

Accepted Answer

Disability awareness and passenger assistance training as part of their Driver CPC periodic training — operators also provide specific training

Answer

Driver CPC periodic training (35 hours every 5 years) should include passenger assistance and disability awareness. Many operators provide additional specific training. PSVAR compliance also requires driver training on deploying accessibility equipment and assisting disabled passengers.

Question 2

What is the legal position if a PCV driver refuses to allow a passenger with a mental health condition to travel?

Accepted Answer

Refusing on the basis of a mental health condition alone is discrimination under the Equality Act — only behaviour that poses a risk to others justifies refusal

Answer

Mental health is a protected characteristic under the Equality Act 2010. Refusing a passenger solely because they have a mental health condition is discrimination. Refusal must be based on specific behaviour that poses a safety risk, not the condition itself.

Question 3

What is the purpose of a 'carer's free travel' policy on buses?

Accepted Answer

To allow a carer accompanying a disabled person to travel free — recognising that many disabled people cannot travel independently and the carer enables their journey

Answer

Many operators and local authorities provide free travel for carers of disabled passengers. This recognises that some disabled people need a companion to travel safely and that requiring full fare for the carer can prevent disabled people from accessing public transport.

Question 4

What should a PCV driver do if a wheelchair user asks to be secured in their wheelchair?

Accepted Answer

Provide or use the vehicle's wheelchair restraint system (occupant restraint) if fitted — following the operator's procedure

Answer

Where the vehicle is fitted with wheelchair occupant restraints, the driver should offer to use them and apply them if the user consents. The restraint system (typically a lap belt or harness) protects the wheelchair user in a collision. Some wheelchair users may travel without needing the restraint.

Question 5

What does PSVAR specify about step heights at bus doors?

Accepted Answer

Steps must meet maximum height requirements to reduce the barrier for passengers with limited mobility — low-floor designs are now standard for new buses

Answer

PSVAR specifies maximum step heights at bus doors. The move to low-floor and near-zero-step entry buses is driven by these regulations, which recognise that high steps are a significant barrier for elderly, disabled, and other passengers.

DVSA UK Driving Theory Practice Test

DVSA UK Driving Theory Practice Test

PCV Accessibility for Disabled Passengers 3