Safety and behaviour on school transport

Driver requirements

All school transport drivers must:

• be licensed to carry passengers (they have a 'passenger endorsement')
• have passed a 'fit and proper person check'.

Applying for a passenger (P) endorsement – NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi

Fit and proper person check: P endorsements – NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi

All school transport drivers must be safety checked in accordance with the Children's Act 2014.

Children’s Act 2014 – New Zealand Legislation

Who needs to be safety checked at school

Requirements when driving

School transport drivers must:

• pick up and set down students on the left-hand side of the road
• display school bus signs when students are on the bus
• check mirrors before closing doors to make sure nobody is in the way
• check all passengers are seated before departing (if seats are available)
• avoid reversing as much as possible
• wait for the all-clear from the duty teacher at school before departing on the home run.

Vehicle requirements

Vehicles used for school transport must comply with Waka Kotahi New Zealand Transport Agency requirements.

Running a passenger service – NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi

Safety checks by us

We monitor contractual and legislative safety requirements of transport service providers (TSPs). This means we regularly contact TSPs and schools to discuss operational or safety concerns.

Managing student behaviour on school transport

Drivers cannot remove students from the bus for misbehaviour. They must finish the route so all students are taken to their destination.

In extreme circumstances, drivers can stop the bus to call their employer. They must then follow their service provider's procedures. This may include calling the Police.

The driver must report any inappropriate behaviour to the transport service provider, who will contact the bus controller or school.

Behaviour code of conduct

Students are expected to comply with the code of conduct of the transport service provider.

A code of conduct sets out expectations and consequences for behaviour on school transport. It should be signed by the transport service provider, students, their caregivers, and their school.