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

No specific disability training is required for PCV drivers

Answer

Only drivers on routes with high disabled passenger numbers need training

Answer

Training is optional and provided at the operator's discretion

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 conditions always justify refusal for safety reasons

Answer

Drivers can use discretion to refuse any passenger they feel is unsuitable

Answer

Mental health is not a protected characteristic under the Equality Act

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

A marketing scheme to attract older passengers

Answer

A legal requirement under the Equality Act

Answer

A scheme funded by the local authority only

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

Only wheelchairs need securing — the occupant is responsible for their own safety

Answer

Wheelchair occupant restraints are optional on UK buses

Answer

Ask the wheelchair user to move to a standard seat

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

No step limit exists — operators determine acceptable heights

Answer

Step heights are determined by vehicle manufacturers only

Answer

Step heights are only regulated for wheelchair access doors

Question 6

What is the appropriate response when a deaf passenger appears not to understand the driver's spoken instructions?

Accepted Answer

Use alternative communication — written note, gesture, or communication card — and be patient; do not shout or exaggerate lip movements

Answer

Shout louder so they can understand

Answer

Refer them to another passenger to interpret

Answer

Assume they do not want the service and ask them to leave