Saudi Arabia imposes strict conditions on school buses
Driver must be 25 years old, hold clear police record, pass medical, professional tests
Cairo: Days before the onset of the new academic year in Saudi Arabia, transport authorities there have stressed a set of terms for drivers of school buses and importance of observing them to ensure students’ safety.
The stipulations set the minimum age of the driver at 25 years, the Transport General authority (TGA) has said. Drivers of school buses are, moreover, required to hold a valid driving licence, a clear police record, have attended an accredited first aid course, passed a TGA medical test and a professional efficiency test as well as any other training courses set out by the government agency.
TGA has obligated licensed transporters to implement all related safety standards in the buses of different capacities used in transporting students. Furthermore, buses must be equipped with tracking devices, onboard cameras and carry the “school bus” sign on both sides and back of the vehicle.
TGA has stressed for students and education staff the importance of dealing with regular transporters to ensure their safety and get high-quality, efficient services.
Also read
- Over 500,000 teachers and staff return as Saudi schools prepare for the new academic year
- Saudi Arabia: New rules mandate teachers to wear national dress, ban photography in schools
- First term for Saudi schools begins on August 18 after 8-week vacation
- Saudi Arabia to introduce Chinese language in middle schools
The new academic year is scheduled to start in Saudi Arabia on Sunday, August 18.
In June, the Ministry of Education released the academic calendar for the upcoming year, continuing a three-term system in public education.
According to this calendar, the first term will begin on August 18, the second on November 17, and the third on March 2, 2025 and end on June 26. The summer holiday will run for eight weeks.