Child Safe Standards & Safeguarding at Rightway Driving
Our driving school is committed to safe, respectful and culturally safe learning environments for all young people (under 18). We comply with Queensland’s Child Safe Organisations Act 2024 and implement the Queensland Family and Child Commission (QFCC) 10 Child Safe Standards, which are being introduced in stages from 1 October 2025.
Mandatory: Driving schools that work with or provide services or facilities for children must implement the QFCC Child Safe Standards (in line with the Child Safe Organisations Act 2024).
What this means for learner drivers and families
If we provide services to anyone aged 17 or under, we must show how we meet the 10 Child Safe Standards and the Universal Principle of cultural safety for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children. Compliance dates are phased by sector; Queensland has confirmed more than 40,000 organisations will be required to comply.
Learn more at the QFCC: Child Safe Standards.
Child Safety is Everyone’s Responsibility
- We embed child safety and wellbeing in our leadership, governance and culture.
- We uphold the Universal Principle—creating culturally safe environments for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and families.
Mandatory Screening & Accreditation
- All driver trainers who work with children hold a valid Blue Card (Working with Children Check) before commencing (“No card, no start”).
- All driver trainers are accredited with the Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) as required under the Transport Operations (Road Use Management—Accreditation and Other Provisions) Regulation. [4]
Blue Card info: Queensland Government Blue Card Services.
Trainer accreditation: TMR – Becoming an accredited driver trainer.
The 10 Child Safe Standards (Queensland)
- Child safety and wellbeing is embedded in organisational leadership, governance and culture. [1](https://www.qfcc.qld.gov.au/childsafe/standards)
- Children are informed about their rights, participate in decisions affecting them and are taken seriously. [1](https://www.qfcc.qld.gov.au/childsafe/standards)
- Families and communities are informed and involved in promoting child safety and wellbeing. [1](https://www.qfcc.qld.gov.au/childsafe/standards)
- Equity is upheld and diverse needs respected in policy and practice. [1](https://www.qfcc.qld.gov.au/childsafe/standards)
- People working with children are suitable and supported to reflect child safety values in practice. [1](https://www.qfcc.qld.gov.au/childsafe/standards)
- Processes to respond to complaints and concerns are child‑focused. [1](https://www.qfcc.qld.gov.au/childsafe/standards)
- Staff and volunteers are equipped through ongoing education and training. [1](https://www.qfcc.qld.gov.au/childsafe/standards)
- Physical and online environments promote safety and minimise risk. [1](https://www.qfcc.qld.gov.au/childsafe/standards)
- Implementation of the Standards is regularly reviewed and improved. [1](https://www.qfcc.qld.gov.au/childsafe/standards)
- Policies and procedures document how the entity is safe for children. [1](https://www.qfcc.qld.gov.au/childsafe/standards)
Queensland’s Standards align with the nationally endorsed National Principles for Child Safe Organisations. Resources: National Office for Child Safety and Australian Human Rights Commission.
Our Driving School Procedures (How We Put the Standards into Practice)
1) Leadership, Policies & Code of Conduct
- We publish this Child Safe Statement and our internal Child Safety & Wellbeing Policy, including culturally safe practices for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and families.
- We maintain a child‑safe Code of Conduct for staff and contractors that sets expected behaviour before, during and after lessons (in‑car and online).
2) Screening, Suitability & Training
- Blue Card (WWCC) held and monitored for all relevant roles; organisational obligations followed per Blue Card Services guidance.
- TMR Accreditation maintained for all driver trainers; we comply with training, conduct and vehicle fit‑out requirements (e.g., dual controls, mirrors).
- Ongoing child‑safety training for staff, aligned to the QFCC Standards and national resources
3) Empowering Children, Engaging Families
- Pre‑lesson briefing: learner rights, how to speak up, and how to make a complaint or disclosure safely (anonymous options included).
- Family engagement: with learner consent and in line with privacy laws, we share lesson objectives, progress and safety information with parents/carers.
4) Safe Physical & Online Environments
- Vehicles are fitted with dual controls and safety equipment in line with TMR expectations; trainers follow accredited codes of conduct.
- Online booking/communications use clear rules (no private messaging outside approved channels, appropriate language/timeframes).
5) Child‑Focused Complaints & Incident Response
- We provide a simple complaints pathway: trainer → school admin → external regulators as needed.
- Criminal matters are reported to Queensland Police; discrimination matters to the relevant human rights commission; fee disputes to Office of Fair Trading—consistent with TMR guidance.
- We maintain secure records and provide outcome information appropriate to the report, protecting confidentiality and child safety.
6) Continuous Improvement
- Annual self‑assessment against the QFCC Standards and Universal Principle, using the QFCC toolset; corrective actions are tracked to closure.
Helpful Links & Resources
FAQs
Is compliance really mandatory for driving schools?
Yes. If your driving school works with, or provides services/facilities for, children (under 18), you must implement the 10 Child Safe Standards and the Universal Principle under Queensland’s Child Safe Organisations framework (phased commencement from 1 Oct 2025).
Do trainers need a Blue Card and TMR accreditation?
Yes. A valid Blue Card is required before starting child‑related work, and driver trainers must hold TMR accreditation to provide paid pre‑licence training.