Policy
This policy sets out the requirements for vehicles owned or hired by a school, excluding buses.
Summary
- Schools may own or hire vehicles seating up to 9 adults (including the driver) for approved school activities.
- For vehicles seating 10 or more adults, refer to the Buses – Owned, Hired or Chartered by a School Policy.
- Before deciding to purchase or hire a school vehicle, school councils must obtain approval from their regional director and ensure the decision complies with the Procurement – Schools Policy.
- Schools must ensure all school vehicles are registered with VicRoads and insured with the Victorian Managed Insurance Agency.
- Schools are responsible for the maintenance and safe operation of school vehicles, including all ongoing costs associated with these activities.
- School vehicles used to transport students aged below 7 years must be equipped with appropriate seat belts or restraints.
Details
Schools are permitted to own or hire vehicles seating up to 9 adults (including the driver) for school activities. Examples may include a vehicle that is used to transport small groups of students on excursions, or a utility type vehicle that is used to undertake school maintenance.
Where the driver of the vehicle is a member of school or department staff, this policy should be read in conjunction with the policy and procedure on Work-Related Driving.
Purchasing or hiring a school vehicle
The decision to purchase or hire a school vehicle must be approved by the school council. Before approving any decision, the school council must:
- obtain written approval from their regional director
- ensure that the decision complies with the Procurement – Schools Policy
- confirm the school is able to meet all costs associated with the decision, including ongoing maintenance costs where applicable
- confirm that student resource package funds are being used appropriately.
Registration and insurance
Schools must ensure all school vehicles are registered with VicRoads, and insured with the Victorian Managed Insurance Agency. For more information about insurance refer to the Insurance for Schools Policy.
Maintenance and operation of school vehicles
Schools must ensure school vehicles are maintained in a roadworthy condition and ensure repairs are completed as soon as possible by a qualified mechanic. Schools are required to meet all ongoing costs associated with the maintenance and upkeep of school vehicles, and must maintain records of any such works.
Students are not permitted to drive school vehicles under any circumstances.
Child restraints
School vehicles used to transport students aged below 7 years must be equipped with appropriate seat belts or restraints. For more information, visit the VicRoads Child restraints .
Work-related driving procedure for school vehicles
School staff who drive school vehicles are required to follow the Work-Related Driving Policy and Procedure.
Related policies
Reviewed 24 October 2022