Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles (WAVs)

1. Check the vehicle.
2. Load a wheelchair in the vehicle with a passenger using a hoist.
3. Load a second wheelchair in the vehicle without a passenger using a hoist.
4. Undertake a directed drive of approximately 30 minutes.
5. Unload the wheelchair without a passenger using a hoist.
6. Unload the second wheelchair with a passenger using a hoist.
7. Load a wheelchair using a ramp.
8. Unload a wheelchair using a ramp.
9. Scenario based disability assessor questions.

WAVs must meet a range of important requirements to ensure the safety of passengers.

It’s the responsibility of the vehicle owner and the driver to ensure:

• each vehicle is equipped with the necessary restraint systems to safely secure each wheelchair and its occupant
• the vehicle has a functioning air conditioner/heater and
• all the equipment is maintained in good working order.

These requirements are included in the Determination of Specifications for Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles PDF, 189.5 KB (CPVV WAV Specifications) published in the Victoria Government Gazette on 20 February 2020.

To qualify for the subsidy scheme, you must meet the following eligibility criteria:

• you have owned and operated an urban, regional or country WAV (taxi) licence prior to 9 October 2017, and have continued to provide WAV services in these areas with a current CPV registration
• you are replacing a WAV that is older than five years
• you are able to accept and process Multi Purpose Taxi Program (MPTP) payments
• you do not owe a previous unexpired subsidy to CPVV (if a previously subsidised vehicle has been sold or written off, and CPVV has instructed you to repay some of the subsidy payment).

Important: Subsidised WAVs are required to operate exclusively in the region nominated on the application.

You can learn more and apply for the subsidy by consulting the subsidy scheme guidelines, which contain:

• information about the scheme
• the schedule of subsidy payments
• an application form.

See the guidelines here: Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle Subsidy Scheme Guidelines.

We’ll try to review your subsidy application and let you know within 14 days if it’s approved or not.

If we need more information, we’ll contact you. You should respond to our request for more information within 30 days, or your application may be rejected.

I’m replacing my non-WAV for a WAV; how long will the process take?

If you’re applying for the subsidy to buy a WAV to replace your current unbooked taxi, it’s best to apply early.

You should also think about how much time it will take to modify the new vehicle to carry wheelchairs, but this can be discussed with the vehicle supplier. To make sure you can start using the new WAV on time, we recommend applying at least six months  before you wish to start using the WAV.

The following certified or original documents must be submitted within six months from the date of your approval letter (satisfying the conditions for payment):

• inspection report to confirm compliance with ‘Vehicle Standards Information 31, Licensed Passenger Vehicle Standards – Taxi’, which is available online at vicroads.vic.gov.au
• engineering certification for WAV conversion (if applicable)
• evidence of comprehensive insurance cover on the vehicle
• proof of vehicle ownership
• provision of new vehicle details form (note this form will be sent to you once the WAV Subsidy Agreement is signed)
• the tax invoice for the purchase of the vehicle
• a separate tax invoice for the conversion to a WAV (if not included in the vehicle purchase).

If the driver loads or unloads your wheelchair into a regular taxi or sedan, Safe Transport Victoria will pay a partial lifting fee of $10.90 to the service provider.

The lifting equipment attached to the WAV must only be used by a W-endorsed driver.

Depending on the wheelchair user’s preference, wheelchairs may be manoeuvred – and their
brakes applied and released – by either the WAV driver or the wheelchair user. In the case of an
electric wheelchair, switching off the control box should be considered equivalent to applying brakes.

Never touch the joystick of a passenger’s wheelchair – this control can be sensitive and could cause sudden unexpected movement and never allow a passenger to stand on the hoist without being seated in a wheelchair or on a scooter.

It is the responsibility of the WAV driver to ensure that all of the following steps are followed regardless of whom is operating the wheelchair throughout the loading process.

1. Ensure the vehicle is legally parked in a safe place with enough loading room.
2. Ask permission to touch the wheelchair or get agreement from the wheelchair user as to whom will position the wheelchair and apply the brakes.
3. The wheelchair is positioned safely out of the way of the hoist.
4. Brakes are applied on the wheelchair.
5. The rear door of the vehicle is open and the hoist is safely lowered.
6. Brakes are released on the wheelchair.
7. The wheelchair is positioned safely on the hoist platform with the wheelchair facing forward (towards the front of the vehicle).
8. The brakes are applied on the wheelchair and another check is made to ensure the wheelchair cannot accidentally roll forward or backward.
9. Ensure the passenger is safe and ready with their legs and feet out of danger, before using the hoist to raise the wheel chair to the level of the floor of the vehicle.
10. Raise the hoist correctly with one hand on the wheelchair and the other on the controller.
11. Ensure the hoist platform is level with the floor of the WAV before moving the wheelchair into the WAV.
12. Brakes are released on the wheelchair.
13. The wheelchair is moved into the correct position.
14. Brakes are applied on the wheelchair.
15. Lock the two front anchorage restraints into the floor tracks. Note that this may be done before the passenger is hoisted into the WAV.
16. Connect the two front anchorage restraints to two secure points on the wheelchair.
17. Lock the two rear anchorage restraints into the floor tracks.
18. Connect the two rear anchorage restraints to two secure points on the wheelchair.
19. Brakes are released on the wheelchair.
20. Tighten the rear anchorage restraints using the ratchet mechanism on each restraint.
21. Brakes are released on the wheelchair.
22. Attach and fit the wheelchair occupant restraint fittings (seatbelt) correctly – not across the throat or the pelvis.
23. Ask if the passenger needs any further assistance and if they are comfortable before starting the trip.

As for loading the passenger, the lifting equipment attached to the WAV must only be used by the driver. Check with the wheelchair user what their preference is regarding operating the wheelchair during the unloading process.

1. Legally park the vehicle in a safe place and with enough room to unload.
2. Open the rear door of the vehicle.
3. Lower the hoist safely from being stowed upright to a position level with the vehicle floor.
4. Release the passenger from the wheelchair occupant restraint fittings (seatbelt).
5. Release the two rear anchorage restraints from the wheelchair.
6. Release the two front anchorage restraints from the wheelchair.
7.  Release the brakes on the wheelchair.
8. Slowly position the wheelchair safely on the hoist platform.
9. Apply the brakes on the wheelchair.
10. Lower the hoist to ground level correctly with one hand on the wheelchair and the other on the controller.
11. Release the brakes on the wheelchair.
12. Move the wheelchair off the hoist or inform the passenger once it is safe to reverse out from the hoist.
13. Position the wheelchair safely and apply the brakes.

It is the responsibility of the WAV driver to ensure that all of the following steps are followed regardless of who is operating the wheelchair throughout the loading process.

1. Legally park the vehicle in a safe place with enough loading room.
2. Ask permission to touch the wheelchair.
3. Position the wheelchair safely out of the way of the ramp.
4. Apply the brakes on the wheelchair.
5. Open the rear wheelchair entry door.
6. Unlock and position the ramp for safe loading.
7. Release the brakes on the wheelchair.
8. Position the wheelchair safely at the bottom of the ramp.
9. Apply the brakes on the wheelchair
10. Unlock the front restraints using the lock switch.
11. Connect the two front restraints to two secure points on the wheelchair.
12. Release the brakes on the wheelchair.
13. Push the wheelchair smoothly into the vehicle with both hands on the wheelchair.
14. Position the wheelchair correctly.
15. Lock the two front restraints with the lock switch.
16. Lock the two rear anchorage restraints into the floor tracks/points.
17. Connect the two rear anchorage restraints to two secure points on the wheelchair.
18. Release the brakes on the wheelchair.
19. Tighten the two rear anchorage restraints using the ratchet mechanism on each restraint.
20. Apply the brakes on the wheelchair.
21. Attach and fit the wheelchair occupant restraint fittings (seatbelt) correctly – not across the throat or the pelvis.
22. Ask if the passenger needs any further assistance and if they are comfortable.
23. Position and lock the ramp in the vehicle.
24. Close the rear wheelchair entry door.

The equipment attached to the WAV must only be used by the driver. The same points regarding operation of the wheelchair in the loading process detailed in the loading section of this page also apply for unloading.

Passengers are not allowed to remain seated on mobility scooters during their journey in a WAV.
A passenger who uses a mobility scooter must be seated in a conventional passenger seat for the duration of the journey and wear the seatbelt provided for that position.

The scooter must be fitted with all restraints to prevent movement of the scooter during the journey. A scooter must only be loaded if it can be safely loaded, carried and adequately secured using approved restraints.

Under no circumstances is it safe to transport passengers while they remain seated in high-care mobility aids as doing so puts their safety, and the safety of other occupants of the vehicle, at risk.

Mobility aids like the ‘Princess’, ‘Duchess’ and ‘Tub’ chairs/beds lack the structural integrity to withstand a minor impact and, in the event of an accident, their tilt-lock mechanism or the frame could fail, exposing the occupant to serious injury. As these aids carry the occupant in a reclined position, the occupant cannot be properly restrained. There is a danger they could slip under the restraint, endangering themselves and others.

High-care mobility aids do not meet Australian design and construction standards—and manufacturers advise that they are not designed to be carried in vehicles while the passenger is in them.

Any driver who allows a passenger to travel in one of these mobility aids in their vehicle is not only risking their own physical safety, but also their driver accreditation. Drivers are also opening themselves up to potential legal liability if the passenger is injured.

Below are examples of mobility aids that may be carried but the passenger must transfer to a fixed seat in the WAV

Below are examples of mobility aids where a passenger can remain seated during travel.