PCV Accessibility for Disabled Passengers 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What training are PCV drivers required to undertake regarding passenger assistance?
- Disability awareness and passenger assistance training as part of their Driver CPC periodic training — operators also provide specific training (Correct answer)
- No specific disability training is required for PCV drivers
- Only drivers on routes with high disabled passenger numbers need training
- Training is optional and provided at the operator's discretion
Correct answer: Disability awareness and passenger assistance training as part of their Driver CPC periodic training — operators also provide specific training
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?
- 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 (Correct answer)
- Mental health conditions always justify refusal for safety reasons
- Drivers can use discretion to refuse any passenger they feel is unsuitable
- Mental health is not a protected characteristic under the Equality Act
Correct 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
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?
- 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 (Correct answer)
- A marketing scheme to attract older passengers
- A legal requirement under the Equality Act
- A scheme funded by the local authority only
Correct 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
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?
- Provide or use the vehicle's wheelchair restraint system (occupant restraint) if fitted — following the operator's procedure (Correct answer)
- Only wheelchairs need securing — the occupant is responsible for their own safety
- Wheelchair occupant restraints are optional on UK buses
- Ask the wheelchair user to move to a standard seat
Correct answer: Provide or use the vehicle's wheelchair restraint system (occupant restraint) if fitted — following the operator's procedure
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?
- Steps must meet maximum height requirements to reduce the barrier for passengers with limited mobility — low-floor designs are now standard for new buses (Correct answer)
- No step limit exists — operators determine acceptable heights
- Step heights are determined by vehicle manufacturers only
- Step heights are only regulated for wheelchair access doors
Correct 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
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.
Question 6: What is the appropriate response when a deaf passenger appears not to understand the driver's spoken instructions?
- Use alternative communication — written note, gesture, or communication card — and be patient; do not shout or exaggerate lip movements (Correct answer)
- Shout louder so they can understand
- Refer them to another passenger to interpret
- Assume they do not want the service and ask them to leave
Correct answer: Use alternative communication — written note, gesture, or communication card — and be patient; do not shout or exaggerate lip movements
Shouting does not help deaf passengers — it distorts lip patterns and may seem aggressive. Clear, calm speech, facing the passenger, using simple gestures, written notes, or communication cards are effective alternatives. Patience and respect are essential.
PCV Accessibility for Disabled Passengers 3
What training are PCV drivers required to undertake regarding passenger assistance?