School Bus Rules and Regulations in Australia

A child's safety is always close to a parent's mind — especially when handing over the care of their child to someone else, as is the case with school buses, which carry thousands of children every day. That's why it's essential to know that school buses are held to safe, well-regulated standards.

School Bus Requirements

In Australia, the majority of school children rely on public transport to travel to and from school. Still, there are specific standards that school buses have to meet. Below are the requirements and conditions that school buses need to abide by.

• The internationally recognised colour for school vehicles is yellow, and the transport department has adopted that colour for all school-owned fleets.
• School buses are required to display an 40 km/h (25 mph) speed limit sign along with flashing warning lights on the front and rear.
• Buses fitted with padded, high-backed seats reduce injuries in the event of a collision.
• Even though standing is discouraged, school fleets should be fitted with handrails and grab rails.
• School buses should be kept clear of any protruding or hazardous objects, both inside and outside the bus.

Australian school bus design increasingly focuses on secure seating that is built to absorb impact in the event of a collision or sudden braking. A survey found that it could take some years for all school buses nationwide to meet this standard.

Public and private Australian school bus operators are still working towards consistent nationwide safety standards, with some regions ahead of others.

Seat Belts

Older school bus seats are gradually being replaced with seats fitted with seat belts. Even though current legislation does not require children to wear a seat belt at all times, the trend towards students wearing them is expected to continue.

Booster Seats

Parents can supply booster seats for their children if it is not safe for them to wear a standard seat belt while riding a school bus (for example, if the belt sits across their neck). Booster seats supplied must meet Australian Design Rule specifications.

Seating Positions

School buses which do not provide seat belts should employ double seats which are no less than 900mm in width, ensuring that:

• The distance between seat backs is no less than 100mm.
• The space between the seat cushion and seat back should not exceed 60mm.
• When three children occupy a seat, the seat back should remain upright and clearly visible.

First Aid Kits

First aid kits should be carried on all school bus fleets, and school bus drivers have to ensure that the kit is stocked and ready.

Fire Extinguishers

All school buses in Australia are required by regulation to carry a fire extinguisher, mounted in a manner that is visible and easily accessible.

Curtains & Tinted Windows

School buses are not fitted with curtains that block the driver's view. Windows of school buses should not be obstructed, and tinted windows may be restricted under certain circumstances.

Luggage Storage

Luggage racks are installed on many school fleets, and students should be advised to place their bags and study equipment in the luggage rack. Other than study equipment, items likely to injure passengers should not be carried on board.

School Bus Driver Requirements

In Australia, to drive a school bus one should hold a driving licence of class HR (Heavy Rigid) or higher. A licence of HR class or higher allows a driver to operate a bus weighing over 8 tonnes GVM with more than two axles.

Driver Responsibilities

School bus drivers are in charge of the students while they're on board. If a student's misbehaviour disturbs the safe conduct of the bus, that student can be excluded from school transportation.

• Drivers should always follow the rules established by the Road Traffic Act and exercise caution at all times.
• Bus drivers are in charge of bus maintenance and parking. They should keep the fleet assigned to them safe for the community every day.

Parents and guardians are in charge of their children before and after school trips, and they should teach their children about the behaviour expected of them on the school bus and around bus drivers.

When school buses satisfy the required standards and students follow the rules, everyone can enjoy a safe and pleasant journey.