Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps he is taking to ensure taxi and private hire drivers undergo disability awareness training.

Although there is no statutory requirement for Taxi and PHV drivers to undertake disability awareness training, the Department for Transport’s best practice guidance on Taxi and Private Hire Vehicle Licensing in England and Wales recommends local licensing authorities work with operators, drivers and trade bodies in their area to improve drivers’ awareness of the needs of disabled people. This includes encouraging their drivers to undertake disability awareness training. A separate licensing regime regulates taxi and private hire vehicles in Scotland and the Scottish Government publishes its own Best Practice guidance.

The Law Commission recently undertook a wide ranging review of taxi and private hire legislation in England and Wales and published their final report and a draft Bill on 23 May 2014, in which it recommended mandatory disability awareness training for drivers. The Government will respond to the report shortly.