Assistance to passengers in wheelchairs
Drivers of wheelchair access vehicles (WAV) must have undertaken additional DVSA qualifications commensurate to their role. Drivers that have achieved this additional qualification will have this recognised on their licence and badge by use of a recognisable wheelchair emblem.
The Equality Act 2010 places a duty of drivers of WAVs to carry the passenger while in the wheelchair or in the passenger seat if the passenger requests this. To take all reasonable steps to ensure the passenger is carried safely and comfortably. To provide assistance to the passenger as required. Not to make any additional charge to a passenger in a wheelchair.
Where it is impossible or unreasonably difficult for a driver to comply with the duties of a DAV/WAV driver due to their physical condition, then the authority will issue an exemption and their licence will be converted to a standard driving licence and only reinstated as a DAV/WAV driving licence when they are fully able to perform those duties.
The WAV conditions will remain and stipulate that only suitably qualified drivers are permitted to drive the vehicle and therefore this will exclude a driver with an exemption from driving this type of vehicle.