Glossary of Terms
- Assistance Animal
- An animal that is specially trained to help a person manage the effects of a disability.
- Booked Service
- A taxi or Rideshare trip that has been booked in advance by a passenger.
- BSP
- Booking Service Provider – an organisation authorised to manage bookings, dispatch, and payments for CPV drivers.
- CPV
- Commercial Passenger Vehicle – includes taxi, rideshare vehicles and WAVs.
- CPV accreditation
- The mandatory accreditation a driver must hold to operate a CPV. It is a prerequisite before obtaining a WAV endorsement.
- Driver
- A person accredited to operate a CPV under the Commercial Passenger Vehicle Industry Act 2017. A Driver must comply with all accreditation conditions, safety duties and regulatory requirements under the Act.
- Floor Restraints
- Four-point ratchet or tie-down systems designed to meet Australian standards. They are used to secure mobility devices to the floor of a WAV to prevent movement during travel.
- Hoist / Lifting Platform
- A mechanical device that raises or lowers a passenger using a mobility device to or from the floor height of a WAV for boarding or disembarking.
- Mobility Device
- Equipment such as wheelchairs, mobility scooters, walking frames, or other aids that assist passenger mobility.
- MPTP
- Multi-Purpose Taxi Program – a government subsidy program supporting accessible transport for people using wheelchairs or mobility aids.
- Permission Holder
- A person or organisation registered as the owner of a CPV vehicle.
- Seatbelt
- A lap and sash or lap and harness safety restraint worn by a passenger in a mobility device in a WAV. It is fixed to the vehicle (not the wheelchair) and meets Australian safety standards to help prevent injury in a crash.
- Security Camera
- A video recording device installed in WAVs to capture footage of passengers and drivers for security and safety purposes, helping to prevent and resolve incidents.
- Unbooked Service
- A CPV trip where passengers hail a CPV on the street or pick a vehicle from a rank without prior booking.
- VASS
- Vehicle Assessment Signatory Scheme – a certification system ensuring modified or imported vehicles comply with Australian vehicle standards for CPV registration.
- WAV
- Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle – a vehicle modified to safely carry passengers using wheelchairs or other mobility aids.
- W or WAV endorsement
- An additional endorsement required for CPV drivers to legally operate a WAV, shown as a “W” on the driver’s CPV accreditation certificate.
Introduction
This guide provides practical guidance for drivers of Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles (WAVs) as well as for others who have duties or obligations.
The purpose is to support safe, comfortable, and inclusive delivery of WAV services to:
- passengers who use wheelchairs or other mobility aids.
- passengers with disabilities who require accessible transport options.
This guide aligns with requirements set out in the:
- Commercial Passenger Vehicle Industry Act 2017 (the Act)
- the Commercial Passenger Vehicle Industry Regulations 2018 (the Regulations), and
- the standards and expectations set by Safe Transport Victoria (ST Vic), including the Commercial Passenger Vehicle Industry Code of Practice and related regulatory guidance.
It complements existing training, accreditation, and operational procedures by offering clear, actionable guidance that can be applied in day-to-day practice.
While the primary audience is WAV-endorsed drivers, this guide is also a relevant resource for Booking Service Providers (BSPs), vehicle owners, trainers, and others involved in the provision of safe accessible transport services.
Topics include:
- Assisting passengers with accessibility needs.
- Safe operation of WAV equipment and hoists.
- Vehicle and equipment safety checks.
- Assisting passengers with mobility aids.
- Transporting wheelchairs safely and securely.
- Communicating respectfully with passengers.
- Transporting assistance animals.
- Applying Multi-Purpose Taxi Program (MPTP) subsidies correctly.
By following this guidance, service providers will be better equipped to uphold the safety, dignity, and comfort of every passenger — while meeting their legal and professional obligations under Victoria’s commercial passenger vehicle framework.
Requirements to Drive a WAV
To provide WAV services in Victoria, a driver must hold a valid CPV driver accreditation. They must also have a WAV endorsement (also called a W endorsement) on that accreditation.
WAV-endorsement (W endorsement)
This endorsement is an additional authorisation that recognises the specialised responsibilities involved in operating a WAV. WAVs play a critical role in providing accessible transport for people with disability, and this endorsement reflects both the unique operational requirements of WAVs and the duty of drivers to deliver safe, inclusive, and equitable transport services.
Drivers are required to complete approved training and pass an assessment to obtain their WAV endorsement.
Drivers must not operate a WAV until this endorsement has been issued.