School Owned and Hired Vehicles

From Term 1 2017, Victorian government and Catholic schools will use the new Victorian Curriculum F-10. Curriculum related information is currently being reviewed and may be subject to change.

For more information on the curriculum, see:
The Victorian Curriculum F–10 - VCAA

Purpose of this policy

To ensure schools:

  • safely maintain any vehicle they own
  • hire a vehicle that is roadworthy
  • comply with driver’s licensing requirements when using vehicles they own or hire.

Policy

Schools must:

  • obtain the prior approval of the regional director before purchasing a vehicle - see the Motor Vehicle Guidelines for Schools (2011) under: School Financial Guidelines
  • not acquire a bus with an adult seating capacity of twenty-one or more passengers
  • be accredited with the Public Transport Safety Victoria if they own a passenger vehicle with more than ten seats (including the driver)
  • ensure vehicles they hire, use or own that seat up to twelve passengers have seat belts or restraints for children under 7 years of age, see: S558-2009 Changes to Child Restraint Laws and S561-2009 Changes to Child Restraint Laws - Clarification
  • maintain roadworthy vehicles and ensure repairs are completed by as soon as possible by a qualified mechanic
  • insure vehicles they own and have them annually inspected by a licensed bus tester
  • meet all costs of purchase and maintenance of the vehicle
  • only hire accredited, insured and roadworthy vehicles.

Principals must ensure that school bus drivers hold a correct and current driver’s licence and if appropriate driver’s certificate. Students must not drive buses under any circumstances

Driver licensing

VicRoads is responsible for the licensing of drivers in Victoria and provide advice on the types of licences required to drive a variety of vehicles including buses used for school excursions and other events, see: Licence Categories

Related policies

Related legislation

  • Bus Safety Act 2011
  • Road Safety Act 1986
  • Working with Children Act 2005

Other resources