Equality and disability duties: questions and answers

Based on Equality Act 2010, Part 12, Chapter 1: Taxis etc. (sections 160 to 173, revised) (legislation.gov.uk, published 2010) and 9 other sources. Checked 29 October 2026.

Taxi and private hire drivers have legal duties to disabled passengers under Part 12 of the Equality Act 2010. You must carry assistance dogs, help wheelchair users, and never charge extra for doing so. Breaking these duties is a criminal offence, and your council can also act against your licence.

The law changed on 28 June 2022, when the Taxis and Private Hire Vehicles (Disabled Persons) Act 2022 came into force. Before that, most duties applied only to wheelchair-accessible vehicles on the council's list. Now every taxi and PHV driver has duties to every disabled passenger, and PHV operators must not refuse a booking because a passenger is disabled.

Councils test the law (what you must do, what an exemption covers) and disability awareness (how to help a blind or deaf passenger, hidden disabilities). Some councils make these key questions. Wolverhampton, for example, says 2 of its 8 key questions are on disability awareness. This topic also covers protected characteristics, discrimination and hate crime.

51 questions in 5 sets. Answer one set at a time and you'll see the right answer straight away. Every question and answer is also listed below and in a free PDF.

Remember

You must carry an assistance dog and let it stay with its owner, at no extra charge (s.168 taxis, s.170 PHVs).
The only exemption is a medical exemption certificate from the council, with the notice shown in the vehicle.
Since 28 June 2022, all drivers must carry disabled passengers, their wheelchair and mobility aids, and give reasonable help (s.164A).
Designated (wheelchair-accessible) vehicles: carry the passenger in their wheelchair, no extra charge (s.165). Councils must publish the list (s.167).
A mobility exemption (s.166) covers only the physical help. You must still carry the passenger.
PHV and pre-booked taxi drivers must help a disabled passenger find the vehicle if told before the journey (s.165A).
PHV operators must not refuse a booking because a passenger is disabled or has an assistance dog (ss.167A, 170).
Most of these offences carry a fine of up to level 3: £1,000.
There are 9 protected characteristics under the Equality Act 2010.
Always ask a disabled passenger what help they want before you help.

Wheelchair users and designated vehicles

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Question 1 of 10

What is a "designated" vehicle under the Equality Act 2010?

All 51 questions and answers

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Wheelchair users and designated vehicles10 questions

1. What is a "designated" vehicle under the Equality Act 2010?
1. Any vehicle with a taxi roof sign
2. A listed wheelchair-accessible vehicle (correct answer)
3. A vehicle used only for school contracts
4. A vehicle with a working card machine
Answer: B. A listed wheelchair-accessible vehicle. A taxi or PHV is designated if it is on the list of wheelchair-accessible vehicles that the council keeps under s.167. Equality Act 2010, ss.165(3) and 167
2. A wheelchair user hires your designated vehicle. Which is one of your legal duties?
1. To ask them to move into a normal seat
2. To carry them only if the trip is short
3. To call a different driver to help
4. To carry them in their wheelchair (correct answer)
Answer: D. To carry them in their wheelchair. Section 165 says the driver of a designated vehicle must carry the passenger while in the wheelchair. Equality Act 2010, s.165(4)(a)
3. Can you charge extra for carrying a wheelchair user in a designated vehicle?
1. No, no extra charge is allowed (correct answer)
2. Yes, up to £5 for using the ramp
3. Yes, if loading takes over 10 minutes
4. Yes, if the passenger agrees to pay
Answer: A. No, no extra charge is allowed. The driver must not make, or propose to make, any additional charge for any of the s.165 duties. Equality Act 2010, s.165(4)(f)
4. Under the Equality Act, what does "mobility assistance" include?
1. Pushing the wheelchair to any address in town
2. Helping the passenger with their shopping list
3. Help getting in and out, and loading luggage (correct answer)
4. Waiting for free while they finish an errand
Answer: C. Help getting in and out, and loading luggage. Mobility assistance means help to get in and out of the vehicle, and to load luggage, mobility aids or the wheelchair. Equality Act 2010, s.165(5)
5. A wheelchair user prefers to sit in a passenger seat. What must you do with the wheelchair?
1. Carry the wheelchair in the vehicle (correct answer)
2. Leave it at the pick-up point
3. Charge extra to put it in the boot
4. Ask them to send it by another taxi
Answer: A. Carry the wheelchair in the vehicle. If the passenger chooses to sit in a passenger seat, the driver must carry the wheelchair. Equality Act 2010, s.165(4)(c)
6. What is the maximum fine for failing a duty under section 165?
1. Up to £100
2. Up to £250
3. Up to £5,000
4. Up to £1,000 (correct answer)
Answer: D. Up to £1,000. The offence carries a fine of up to level 3 on the standard scale, which is £1,000. The council may also act against your licence. Equality Act 2010, s.165(8); Sentencing Act 2020, s.122
7. Before a wheelchair user goes up the ramp, what should you check?
1. That the passenger has paid in advance
2. That the ramp is locked securely in place (correct answer)
3. That the engine is switched off for an hour
4. That the meter is already running
Answer: B. That the ramp is locked securely in place. The driver must take the steps needed to carry the passenger in safety. A ramp that is not secure can slip and cause injury. Equality Act 2010, s.165(4)(d)
8. How should a wheelchair be secured in a wheelchair-accessible vehicle?
1. With the wheelchair brakes off so it can move freely
2. By asking the passenger to hold onto a rail
3. With the restraints, brakes on and passenger belted (correct answer)
4. By wedging it with luggage on each side
Answer: C. With the restraints, brakes on and passenger belted. Use the vehicle's wheelchair restraint system as the maker says, put the wheelchair brakes on and fit the passenger's seat belt. Equality Act 2010, s.165(4)(d)
9. When does a driver have a defence for not carrying a wheelchair in a designated vehicle?
1. When the driver is near the end of their shift
2. If that wheelchair cannot be carried safely (correct answer)
3. When the fare is too short to be worth it
4. When it is raining and loading is slow
Answer: B. If that wheelchair cannot be carried safely. It is a defence if the vehicle met its accessibility requirements but it was not possible to carry that wheelchair safely. Equality Act 2010, s.165(9)
10. True or false: councils must keep and publish a list of their wheelchair-accessible taxis and PHVs.
1. True (correct answer)
2. False
Answer: A. True. True. Since the 2022 Act, a licensing authority must maintain and publish its list of designated vehicles. Equality Act 2010, s.167(1)

Assistance dogs10 questions

11. A blind passenger with a guide dog hires your vehicle. What must you do?
1. Carry them only if the dog goes in the boot
2. Carry them, but add a cleaning charge for the dog
3. Refuse, because dogs make the car dirty
4. Carry them and the dog, with no extra charge (correct answer)
Answer: D. Carry them and the dog, with no extra charge. Taxi and PHV drivers must carry an assistance dog with its owner and must not charge extra for it. Equality Act 2010, ss.168 and 170
12. Can a taxi driver refuse an assistance dog because they do not like dogs?
1. No, only a medical exemption allows this (correct answer)
2. Yes, if they tell the passenger politely
3. Yes, if another taxi is on the rank
4. Yes, if the dog is very large
Answer: A. No, only a medical exemption allows this. Not liking dogs is not a reason. Only a driver with a medical exemption certificate, with the notice displayed, is exempt. Equality Act 2010, ss.168 and 169
13. On what grounds can the council give a driver an exemption from carrying assistance dogs?
1. Religious grounds
2. Cleaning costs
3. Medical grounds (correct answer)
4. Fear of dogs without medical evidence
Answer: C. Medical grounds. The council must issue an exemption certificate only if it is satisfied that it is right to do so on medical grounds. Equality Act 2010, ss.169(1) and 171(1)
14. You have an assistance dog exemption certificate. What else must you do?
1. Carry the certificate in your wallet only, not on show
2. Tell the operator once a year
3. Put a "no dogs" sign on the door
4. Display the exemption notice in the vehicle (correct answer)
Answer: D. Display the exemption notice in the vehicle. The exemption only applies if the certificate is in force and the prescribed notice is displayed in the vehicle. Equality Act 2010, ss.169(4) and 171(4)
15. Where should a guide dog travel in your vehicle?
1. Ask the owner; usually the footwell (correct answer)
2. Always in the boot
3. On the front passenger seat
4. On the back seat next to its owner, on a towel
Answer: A. Ask the owner; usually the footwell. Guide Dogs advises asking the owner. Most will want the dog in the footwell beside them. Guide dogs are trained not to climb on seats. Guide Dogs, Guidance for taxi and minicab staff
16. A PHV operator refuses a booking because the passenger has an assistance dog. Is this an offence?
1. No, operators can choose their customers
2. Yes, it is a criminal offence (correct answer)
3. No, if they offer a later time
4. No, if they say no drivers like dogs
Answer: B. Yes, it is a criminal offence. An operator commits an offence by refusing a booking because the disabled person will have an assistance dog with them. Equality Act 2010, s.170(1)
17. Which of these is an assistance dog under the Equality Act 2010?
1. Any pet dog that keeps its owner company
2. A dog that has passed basic obedience classes
3. A dog trained to help a deaf person (correct answer)
4. Any dog wearing a coloured lead
Answer: C. A dog trained to help a deaf person. The Act covers dogs trained to guide a blind person, assist a deaf person, and some other trained dogs for disabled people. Equality Act 2010, s.173(1)
18. Can you tell a passenger their assistance dog must go in the boot?
1. No, it must stay with its owner (correct answer)
2. Yes, if the boot is clean and dry
3. Yes, if the journey is short
4. Yes, if the dog is wet
Answer: A. No, it must stay with its owner. The driver must carry the disabled person's dog and allow it to remain with that person. Equality Act 2010, s.168(2)(a)
19. You have a medical exemption, and a guide dog owner asks you for a ride. What should you do?
1. Drive off without saying anything
2. Tell them to walk to the next rank and find another
3. Carry them and leave the dog behind
4. Show your exemption and help them find another car (correct answer)
Answer: D. Show your exemption and help them find another car. Guide Dogs says a driver with a genuine exemption, or their company, should help the passenger find another taxi or minicab. Guide Dogs, Guidance for taxi and minicab staff
20. How should you behave towards a working guide dog?
1. Pat it gently so it feels welcome in the car
2. Give it water and a treat
3. Do not distract it; speak to the owner (correct answer)
4. Give the dog commands to help
Answer: C. Do not distract it; speak to the owner. Guide Dogs says do not interfere with the dog and only give instructions to its owner. Guide Dogs, Guidance for taxi and minicab staff

All disabled passengers: the 2022 changes10 questions

21. Since 28 June 2022, which drivers have legal duties to disabled passengers?
1. Only drivers of wheelchair-accessible vehicles
2. All taxi and PHV drivers (correct answer)
3. Only hackney carriage drivers
4. Only drivers with ten years' experience
Answer: B. All taxi and PHV drivers. Section 164A puts duties on the driver of any taxi or PHV hired by or for a disabled person, not only designated vehicles. Equality Act 2010, s.164A
22. Which law made these changes to the Equality Act in 2022?
1. The Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1976
2. The Taxis and Private Hire Vehicles (Disabled Persons) Act 2022 (correct answer)
3. The Town Police Clauses Act 1847
4. The Health Act 2006
Answer: B. The Taxis and Private Hire Vehicles (Disabled Persons) Act 2022. The Taxis and Private Hire Vehicles (Disabled Persons) Act 2022 inserted new sections 164A, 165A and 167A into the Equality Act 2010. Taxis and Private Hire Vehicles (Disabled Persons) Act 2022
23. When did the Taxis and Private Hire Vehicles (Disabled Persons) Act 2022 come into force?
1. 1 October 2010
2. 1 April 2020
3. 28 June 2022 (correct answer)
4. 1 January 2024
Answer: C. 28 June 2022. The Act came into force on 28 June 2022, two months after it was passed. Taxis and Private Hire Vehicles (Disabled Persons) Act 2022, s.6(2)
24. A passenger with sight loss books a car and asks for help to find it when you arrive. What must you do?
1. Wait in the car and sound your horn
2. Send a text, then leave if they are not out in 5 minutes
3. Help them, but add a waiting charge
4. Help them find the vehicle, with no extra charge (correct answer)
Answer: D. Help them find the vehicle, with no extra charge. If told before the journey, a PHV or pre-booked taxi driver must take reasonable steps to help the passenger identify and find the vehicle, with no extra charge. Equality Act 2010, s.165A
25. A disabled passenger has a walking frame. What must you do?
1. Carry the walking frame with no extra charge (correct answer)
2. Ask them to leave it behind
3. Charge extra for the space it uses
4. Carry it only if there is no other luggage in the boot
Answer: A. Carry the walking frame with no extra charge. All drivers must carry a disabled passenger's mobility aids, and must not charge extra for it. Equality Act 2010, s.164A(5)(c) and (f)
26. Is there a defence if a driver did not carry a disabled passenger properly?
1. Yes, if the driver was in a hurry
2. Yes, if the fare was very short
3. Yes, if they could not reasonably have known (correct answer)
4. Yes, if the driver had never carried a disabled person before
Answer: C. Yes, if they could not reasonably have known. For the duty to carry the passenger in safety and comfort, it is a defence if the driver could not reasonably have known the passenger was disabled. Equality Act 2010, s.164A(11)
27. A PHV operator refuses a booking because the passenger is disabled. What is this?
1. A criminal offence by the operator (correct answer)
2. Allowed, if the operator is busy that day
3. Allowed, if the driver agrees
4. A matter only for the driver
Answer: A. A criminal offence by the operator. An operator commits an offence by refusing a booking because the passenger has a disability, or to avoid the driver's duties. Equality Act 2010, s.167A(1)
28. When can a PHV operator lawfully turn down a disabled passenger's booking?
1. When the passenger needs help with luggage
2. When no suitable vehicle is available (correct answer)
3. When the passenger uses a wheelchair
4. When the driver would need to get out of the car
Answer: B. When no suitable vehicle is available. It is a defence for the operator to show it was reasonable not to accept the booking due to a lack of suitable vehicles. Equality Act 2010, s.167A(4)
29. A driver has a mobility exemption certificate under section 166. What does it cover?
1. Every duty, so you can refuse any disabled passenger at all
2. Only journeys outside your council area
3. Only passengers with assistance dogs
4. Only the physical help; you must still carry the passenger (correct answer)
Answer: D. Only the physical help; you must still carry the passenger. Since 2022, a s.166 exemption covers only the mobility assistance duties. The duty to carry the passenger still applies. Equality Act 2010, s.166(2A)-(4)
30. On what grounds can a council exempt a driver from the mobility assistance duties?
1. Being too busy at certain times of day
2. Owning a vehicle with a very small boot space
3. Medical grounds or a physical condition (correct answer)
4. Having a lot of experience as a driver
Answer: C. Medical grounds or a physical condition. The council must issue a certificate if satisfied it is right on medical grounds, or because the driver's physical condition makes the duties impossible or unreasonably difficult. Equality Act 2010, s.166(1)

Equality, discrimination and hate crime10 questions

31. How many protected characteristics are there under the Equality Act 2010?
1. 9 (correct answer)
2. 5
3. 7
4. 12
Answer: A. 9. The nine are: age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex and sexual orientation. GOV.UK, Discrimination: your rights
32. Which of these is a protected characteristic?
1. Income
2. Religion or belief (correct answer)
3. Being a student
4. Being a smoker
Answer: B. Religion or belief. Religion or belief is one of the nine protected characteristics. Income, being a student or a smoker are not. GOV.UK, Discrimination: your rights
33. A driver refuses a fare because the passenger wears a hijab. What is this?
1. A fair business choice
2. Allowed at night
3. Allowed if said politely
4. Unlawful discrimination (correct answer)
Answer: D. Unlawful discrimination. Treating someone less favourably because of their religion is direct discrimination, which is against the law. GOV.UK, Discrimination: your rights
34. Two men holding hands want to hire your taxi. Another driver tells you to refuse them. What is right?
1. Refuse them, as other drivers do
2. Carry them, but charge a higher fare
3. Carry them; refusing is discrimination (correct answer)
4. Ask them to stop holding hands before they get in
Answer: C. Carry them; refusing is discrimination. Sexual orientation is a protected characteristic. Refusing or treating them worse because of it is unlawful. GOV.UK, Discrimination: your rights
35. Which of these is a hate crime?
1. Arguing with a passenger about a fare
2. Driving through a red traffic light at night
3. Parking on a taxi rank without a licence
4. Attacking someone because they are disabled (correct answer)
Answer: D. Attacking someone because they are disabled. A hate crime is a crime against someone because of their disability, race, religion or belief, sexual orientation or transgender identity. It should be reported to the police. GOV.UK, Report hate crime
36. A passenger shouts racist abuse at you and kicks your car door. What should you do?
1. Report it to the police as a hate crime (correct answer)
2. Shout abuse back at them
3. Ignore it, as abuse is just part of the job
4. Chase them to get their name
Answer: A. Report it to the police as a hate crime. Threatening behaviour and damage linked to race can be a hate crime. Call 999 if it is happening now, or 101 if not. GOV.UK, Report hate crime
37. A firm has a "no dogs in any car" rule. Why could this be unlawful?
1. Dogs are a protected characteristic under the Act
2. It unfairly disadvantages assistance dog users (correct answer)
3. All firms must carry pets
4. Rules can never apply to everyone
Answer: B. It unfairly disadvantages assistance dog users. A rule that applies to everyone but disadvantages people with a protected characteristic can be indirect discrimination. It also breaks the assistance dog duties. GOV.UK, Discrimination: your rights; Equality Act 2010, ss.168 and 170
38. A heavily pregnant woman asks for a taxi to hospital. Can you refuse her because she is pregnant?
1. Yes, in case she gives birth in the car
2. Yes, if she does not have a booking
3. Yes, if you think she may be sick
4. No, that would be discrimination (correct answer)
Answer: D. No, that would be discrimination. Pregnancy and maternity is a protected characteristic. Refusing her because she is pregnant is unlawful. GOV.UK, Discrimination: your rights
39. A passenger says they were attacked because of their disability. How can they report it?
1. To the police, by 999, 101 or online (correct answer)
2. Only by writing to their MP
3. Only to the taxi operator
4. Only through the council's licensing team
Answer: A. To the police, by 999, 101 or online. Hate crime can be reported online or by phone. Call 999 if it is in progress or someone is in danger; otherwise call 101. GOV.UK, Report hate crime
40. A passenger makes jokes about another person's race during the journey. What should you do?
1. Laugh along with them to keep them happy
2. Add a joke of your own
3. Stay professional and do not join in (correct answer)
4. Stop the car and shout at them
Answer: C. Stay professional and do not join in. Joining in can be harassment and is unprofessional. Stay calm and polite, and do not take part. GOV.UK, Discrimination: your rights

Disability awareness in practice11 questions

41. Some disabilities cannot be seen, such as autism or chronic pain. What are these called?
1. Temporary disabilities only
2. Hidden, or non-visible, disabilities (correct answer)
3. Disabilities that do not count by law
4. Minor health problems
Answer: B. Hidden, or non-visible, disabilities. Many disabilities are not visible. A passenger may still need help, time or understanding. Hidden Disabilities Sunflower
42. A passenger wears a lanyard with sunflowers on it. What does this usually mean?
1. They may have a hidden disability (correct answer)
2. They work for a garden centre
3. They are a member of staff at the station
4. They want to sit in the front seat
Answer: A. They may have a hidden disability. The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower is a symbol for non-visible disabilities. It shows the wearer may need extra help, time or understanding. Hidden Disabilities Sunflower
43. What is the best way to help a disabled passenger?
1. Do everything for them without asking
2. Ask them what help they would like (correct answer)
3. Speak to their carer instead
4. Leave them to manage on their own
Answer: B. Ask them what help they would like. Guide Dogs says the most important tip is to ask the person how they would like to be helped. Guide Dogs, Guidance for taxi and minicab staff
44. A deaf passenger lip-reads. What helps them most?
1. Shout loudly from the driver's seat
2. Turn away and speak more quickly
3. Cover your mouth when you talk
4. Face them and speak clearly (correct answer)
Answer: D. Face them and speak clearly. RNID says to face the person and speak clearly, without shouting or speaking too fast. Writing things down can help too. RNID, How to communicate with someone who is deaf or has hearing loss
45. How should you guide a blind passenger to a door?
1. Hold their hand firmly and pull them along
2. Push them gently from behind
3. Offer your arm and let them hold your elbow (correct answer)
4. Walk ahead and call out to them
Answer: C. Offer your arm and let them hold your elbow. RNIB advises holding out your arm for the person to take. They hold your elbow and walk about half a pace behind you. RNIB, How to guide people with sight loss
46. You arrive to collect a blind passenger. How should you let them know you are there?
1. Go to them and say who you are (correct answer)
2. Sound your horn twice
3. Flash your headlights
4. Wait in the car until they find you
Answer: A. Go to them and say who you are. Guide Dogs says do not flash your lights or beep your horn. Go to the passenger and introduce yourself. Guide Dogs, Guidance for taxi and minicab staff
47. A passenger with sight loss cannot find your car. What is the best way to describe where you are?
1. "I am in front of the red car"
2. "I am on the left, outside 1 Bridge Street" (correct answer)
3. "I am over here by the sign"
4. "I am just over there, near the shop with the green door"
Answer: B. "I am on the left, outside 1 Bridge Street". Use clear language that does not need sight, such as the side of the road and the address. Guide Dogs, Guidance for taxi and minicab staff
48. A passenger with sight loss pays in cash. What should you do?
1. Take the money out of their purse or wallet yourself
2. Keep the change unless they ask for it
3. Ask another passenger to count it
4. Say where to put the money and explain the change (correct answer)
Answer: D. Say where to put the money and explain the change. Guide Dogs says give clear directions about where to place the money and explain where you have put their change. Guide Dogs, Guidance for taxi and minicab staff
49. When should the taxi meter start for a disabled passenger?
1. When you start loading the wheelchair
2. When you arrive at the pick-up address and wait
3. Once the passenger has got into the vehicle (correct answer)
4. When you first see the passenger
Answer: C. Once the passenger has got into the vehicle. Guide Dogs cites the High Court case McNutt v Transport for London (2019): the meter should start only once a disabled passenger has boarded. Guide Dogs, Guidance for taxi and minicab staff; Equality Act 2010, s.165(4)(f)
50. A wheelchair user is travelling with a carer. Who should you speak to about the journey?
1. Only the carer
2. Whoever is paying
3. The passenger, directly (correct answer)
4. Nobody, just drive
Answer: C. The passenger, directly. Speak directly to the disabled person. Guide Dogs says never channel conversation through a third person. Guide Dogs, Guidance for taxi and minicab staff
51. You have helped a blind passenger to the door of a building. What should you do before you leave?
1. Walk away quietly so as not to disturb them at all
2. Leave them by the kerb
3. Ask them to wait for the next passenger
4. Tell them you are leaving and check they are OK (correct answer)
Answer: D. Tell them you are leaving and check they are OK. Never leave a person with sight loss without saying so. They need to know you have gone and what to do next. Guide Dogs, Guidance for taxi and minicab staff

Councils that test this

Wolverhampton: 2 of the 8 key questions are on disability awareness under the Equality Act 2010, including assistance dogs and wheelchair users.
Leeds: Equalities/disability module: wheelchair users, assistance dogs, elderly passengers and non-visible disabilities. 80% to pass. Drivers of wheelchair accessible vehicles also take a practical wheelchair course.
Bradford: Matches the Disability Awareness module, and the Wheelchair Safety module for hackney carriage drivers.
Sheffield: Part of the Laws and Conditions section: the guidance lists the Equality Act 2010, and one example question asks if you can charge more to carry a wheelchair user.
Nottingham: Part of the licence conditions section: the 'Did you know' sheet covers assistance dogs, exemption notices and no extra charge for wheelchair users.
Bristol: Equality is a section of both tests; the Council's example is about driving with a wheelchair user on board.
Sefton: Annex 11 of the handbook covers guide and assistance dogs, and the driver conditions cover helping wheelchair users.

Questions people ask

Can a taxi driver refuse an assistance dog?

No. Under sections 168 and 170 of the Equality Act 2010, taxi and private hire drivers must carry an assistance dog with its owner and must not charge extra. The only exception is a driver with a medical exemption certificate from the council, with the exemption notice displayed in the vehicle. Refusing without one is a criminal offence with a fine of up to £1,000.

Can a taxi driver charge extra for a wheelchair user?

No. Drivers and PHV operators must not make, or offer to make, any extra charge for carrying a disabled passenger, their wheelchair or mobility aids, or for giving them reasonable help. Guide Dogs also points to a 2019 High Court case saying the meter should start only once a disabled passenger is on board.

What changed for taxi drivers in June 2022?

The Taxis and Private Hire Vehicles (Disabled Persons) Act 2022 came into force on 28 June 2022. Every taxi and PHV driver now has duties to all disabled passengers, not only drivers of wheelchair-accessible vehicles. Drivers of PHVs and pre-booked taxis must help a disabled passenger find the vehicle, and PHV operators must not refuse bookings from disabled people.

How does a driver get a medical exemption from carrying dogs?

You apply to your council's licensing team, usually with medical evidence. If the council agrees, it issues an exemption certificate and a notice that you must display in the vehicle. If it refuses, you can appeal to a magistrates' court within 28 days (s.172).

Sources

Equality Act 2010, Part 12, Chapter 1: Taxis etc. (sections 160 to 173, revised), legislation.gov.uk, act of 2010; read in its revised form, including the 2022 amendments. Checked 29 October 2026.
Taxis and Private Hire Vehicles (Disabled Persons) Act 2022, legislation.gov.uk, in force 28 June 2022 (s.6(2)). Inserts ss.164A, 165A and 167A into the Equality Act 2010. Checked 29 October 2026.
Access for wheelchair users to taxis and private hire vehicles (statutory guidance), Department for Transport, published 20 June 2022. Checked 29 October 2026.
Guidance for taxi and minicab staff, Guide Dogs, undated web page. Checked 29 October 2026.
How to guide people with sight loss, RNIB, 2022 in the file name; PDF file dated June 2023. Checked 29 October 2026.
Discrimination: your rights, GOV.UK, undated guide page. Checked 29 October 2026.
Report hate crime, GOV.UK, undated guide page. Checked 29 October 2026.
Hidden Disabilities Sunflower, Hidden Disabilities Sunflower, undated web page. Checked 29 October 2026.
Taxi knowledge and practical test (course subject list), City of Wolverhampton Council, page last updated 29 July 2026. Checked 29 October 2026.
How to communicate with someone who is deaf or has hearing loss, RNID, page last updated 2 June 2026. Checked 29 October 2026.

Councils update their tests and policies, often yearly. If something here no longer matches your council's guidance, the council is right; please tell us so we can fix it.