Work-Related Driving

2. Controlling risks associated with driving

The principal or their delegate, in consultation with the HSR and/or employees, are responsible for identifying the risk factors that must be managed to eliminate or minimise the risk of work-related driving incidents or accidents.

Typical controls include:

• planning to reduce the need for driving for school purposes
• checking that the nominated driver is competent and capable of doing their work safely
• checking that if an employee is going to use their private vehicle for school purposes that approval has been obtained by completing the Approval to use a private vehicle on official duties form (DOCX) ensuring that the vehicle is appropriately registered and has a current comprehensive motor vehicle insurance policy that specifically covers for Third Party Liability of not less than $20 million – refer to 2.3 Use of private vehicle section of this procedure
• planning work schedules to include fatigue management
• providing adequate time to allow employees to travel via public transport
• checking that the department fleet vehicles – including grey fleet, are inspected and maintained to department fleet standards.

2.1 Planning to reduce the need for driving

The principal or their delegate in consultation with the HSR and/or employees must consider alternate options to driving. This may include:

• using teleconferencing or video conferencing, where practical
• investigating options for alternative forms of transport, for example, train, bus or aeroplane
• arranging for meetings to be held in suitable locations with access to public transport
• where practicable, arranging for meetings to commence no earlier than 10 am or later than 4 pm.

2.2 Assessing driver competency

The principal or their delegate in consultation with the relevant employee must ensure that the employee, who is required to drive, holds a valid driver’s licence and has completed the Application to drive a pool vehicle form (DOCX) (staff login required) and Section 1 of the Work-related driving safety checklist – schools (DOCX) on an annual basis.

Completed ‘Application to Drive a Pool Vehicle’ forms are to be sent to fleet.service@education.vic.gov.au

2.3 Use of private vehicle

Where an employee is using their private vehicle for school purposes, the Private Vehicle Use policy must also be followed.