What parents and operators need to know about learner transport

Every day, many learners in the Western Cape depend on scholar transport to get to and from school. This service is important for families, but it must always be safe, legal, and reliable. Sadly, crashes involving learner transport still happen because of speeding, overloading, unsafe vehicles, or unlicensed drivers.

Many parents face daily challenges, including long working hours, limited transport options, and financial pressures. Because of this, parents often rely on informal arrangements with operators which makes it even more important to ensure these operators follow the law and put safety first.

Keeping children safe is a shared responsibility between operators, parents, schools, and the community.

Why safety matters

Scholar transport vehicles carry children, who are among the most vulnerable road users. When safety rules are ignored, the results can be serious.

Common dangers include:

• Overloaded vehicles
• Vehicles that are not roadworthy
• Drivers without the correct licence or Professional Driving Permit (PDP)
• Unsafe places to load or offload children
• Speeding or reckless driving
• Using panel vans not meant for passengers
• Poor communication between parents, learners, and operators

These risks can be prevented when operators follow the law and parents stay informed.

For operators: Your responsibility is serious

Operators have a legal and moral duty to keep learners safe. This means:

Operators must:

• Use a roadworthy and licensed vehicle that meets all safety laws
• Have a valid operating licence before transporting learners
• Clearly display licence details and school names on the vehicle
• Only load or offload children at safe, designated areas
• Keep a first-aid kit in the vehicle
• Be on time to avoid rushing
• Treat learners with respect, and have an extra adult when transporting younger children

Operators must NOT:

• Use a panel van unless it has been properly certified
• Speed, drive recklessly, or drive under the influence of alcohol
• Overload the vehicle or add extra passengers
• Use drivers without a valid licence and PDP
• Transport children on the back of a bakkie or inside a goods compartment
• Operate for reward without the right licence

For Parents: You help keep your child safe

Parents often juggle many responsibilities at home and at work. In many communities, formal transport options are limited, so parents rely on operators who offer informal transport arrangements. This makes it even more important for parents to stay alert and ask the right questions.

Parents must:

• Check that the operator has a valid operating licence
• Ensure the driver has a valid licence and PDP
• Make sure the vehicle is safe, roadworthy, and not overloaded
• Have children ready on time so the driver does not rush
• Talk to their child about the transport and listen to concerns
• Report any serious incidents to the school or the Provincial Regulatory Entity

Parents should never:

• Allow their child to travel with a different driver or vehicle without being informed and checking documents
• Allow operators to pick up extra passengers during school trips
• Allow children to travel in the back of a bakkie or a goods compartment, which is illegal and dangerous

Working together for safer scholar transport

Safety improves when everyone plays their part. When operators follow the rules, parents stay alert even in informal arrangements, and children know what to look out for, we create safer journeys for all learners.

Choosing safe and legal scholar transport protects lives.

For help with licensing or guidance on scholar transport, contact the Provincial Regulatory Entity or visit the Western Cape Mobility Department’s public transport regulation system online services portal.