Passenger driver training

Drivers who transport passengers should be well trained, particularly when transporting children, the elderly, and persons with special needs. Organizations should have a formal, documented training program in place and utilize a checklist to ensure that critical training is completed. In addition, a documented process should be in place to ensure that reoccurring training takes place at designated intervals.

Common training topics include:

• Overview of driver's responsibilities and client rights
• Medical emergencies: including first aid and CPR training/certification
• Pre- and post-trip inspections (Sample)
• Safe driving policies and procedures: defensive driving, distracted driving prevention, etc.
• Driver road evaluation (Sample)
• Route planning
• Client pick-up and drop-off
• Loading and unloading
• Passenger restraints
• Wheelchair securement to vehicle
• Wheelchair occupant restraint
• Transporting children (if applicable)
• Crash and breakdown procedures: Accident scene management, passenger evacuation, etc.

Click here for a sample training checklist. Customize this checklist to fit the specific needs of your organization and the clients you serve. Keep records of all training sessions and ensure that drivers are current with certifications and best practices.

Training best practices:

• Training should include hands on demonstrations, particularly related to:
  • Pre-and post-trip inspections
  • Set-up and use of ramps and wheelchair lifts
  • Securement of wheelchairs and occupant restraints
  • Manual operation of wheelchair lifts (emergencies)
  • Emergencies, including first aid and CPR training/certification
• Training should be vehicle and equipment specific. Most ramp, lift and securement device manufacturers have training videos to supplement your hands-on training.
• To ensure safe driving concepts are understood, a road evaluation should be performed post training.
• Organizations should ensure that state and municipal required training is completed at required intervals; commonly regulated training includes first-aid, CPR, and wheelchair lift/securement.
• Due to the severe nature of vehicle crashes and wheelchair related incidents, safe driver training and wheelchair lift/securement should occur at least annually.

Nationwide driver training resources

Click here to access free or discounted safe driving resources including infographics and online training.