Private school-run minibus business

Parents paying per child, private or independent schools, and sports clubs or school groups for extra trips.

Weekly or termly fares per child, or a fixed fee from a school for a route, plus charges for one-off excursions and sports runs.

• Safe, patient driving with children
• Route planning and punctuality
• Clear communication with parents
• Basic record keeping and invoicing

• Charging fares for carrying passengers may count as commercial passenger transport, so check accreditation rules with your state or territory
• Working with Children Check (or equivalent) for you and any other drivers
• The right driver licence class for your vehicle's seating capacity
• Standard car insurance is unlikely to cover paid passenger work, so check you have the right commercial cover
• Child seat and seatbelt rules for different ages
• Falling numbers if families move or schools change arrangements, which affects income
• Registering for GST once turnover reaches the threshold

Estimates suggest startup costs typically around $25,000 to $90,000, depending on the minibus or people mover you choose. Monthly revenue is typically estimated around $3,000 to $10,000, depending on how many families or schools you serve.

Charging fares may count as commercial passenger transport, so check accreditation rules with your state or territory. Also check Working with Children Check requirements, the licence class for your seating capacity, and whether your insurance covers paid passenger work.

Estimates suggest at least about 12 hours a week. Skills that help include safe, patient driving with children, route planning, clear communication with parents and basic invoicing. Check child seat and seatbelt rules, and GST registration once turnover reaches the threshold.