Passenger Assistant Training Scheme
All new hackney carriage driver and private hire driver applicants must undergo the Passenger Assistant Training Scheme (PATS).
PATS overview
PATS provides a nationally recognised standard of training to people whose role it is to provide care and assistance to passengers travelling by road.
There are 5 modules, induction module (module A) undertaken by all, then other modules you complete depending on the needs of the people you work with. The modules are:
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module A: the role of the passenger assistant is the foundation module for all passenger assistants and enables drivers and carers to understand the role of the passenger assistant
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module B1: passenger awareness and assistance covers awareness of passenger needs and how to assist, looking at individuals who don't use a wheelchair
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module B2: assisting passengers who travel in wheelchairs covers similar aspects to B1 but focuses specifically on passengers in wheelchairs
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module C1: supervising children and young people with special needs for work with children or young people with special needs
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module C2: working with adults who need care and supervision for work with vulnerable adults
There are also 2 further specialist modules covering emergency aid and manual handling.
PATS training providers
You will need to book and pay for PATS training yourself. The Community Transport Association (CTA) published a list of PATS Training Suppliers, which you can download from the CTA: Passenger Assistant Training suppliers by county web page.