Commercial Passenger Vehicle Industry Code of Practice Consultation
We are updating the Commercial Passenger Vehicle Industry Code of Practice (the Code) and inviting feedback from industry.
The Code explains how drivers, vehicle owners and booking service providers (BSPs) can meet their safety duties under the Commercial Passenger Vehicle Industry Act 2017.
It includes practical guidance on:
- driver conduct
- vehicle safety
- passenger safety
- providing safe services.
We’ve updated the Code to make it clearer and easier to use in day-to-day work. Before it is finalised, we want to hear from the people who use it.
If you are a driver, vehicle owner or BSP, this consultation is for you.
Why your feedback matters
The Code is used by Safe Transport Victoria to check whether safety duties are being met across the industry. It may also be used during audits, so it is important that it is clear, practical and relevant to how industry operates.
Your feedback will help us make sure the Code:
- is easy to understand
- reflects how the industry works in practice
- clearly explains what is expected
- provides useful guidance to support compliance.
Why there is an industry Code
Operating a CPV means you are responsible for passenger and community safety, whether you are a driver, vehicle owner or BSP.
The Code supports a clear and consistent approach to safety across the industry. It helps you understand:
- the main safety risks
- what is expected of them
- how to meet those expectations.
What the new code proposes
The updated Code:
- uses plain English
- explains the main safety risks and what to do
- makes responsibilities easier to find
- allows BSPs to choose between a hazards-based approach or a risk-assessment approach.
- The legal safety duties have not changed.
What we are asking you to do
Step 1: Read the relevant sections of the draft Code
Start by reading the Introduction, then review the section or sections relevant to your role.
Some people in the industry may have more than one role.
Relevant sections are:
- Introduction – all industry participants
- Drivers – Section 2 (page 5)
- Vehicle Owners – Section 3 (page 10)
- Booking Service Providers – Section 4 (page 14) (BSPs who use a structured risk management approach should also review Section 5 (page 23)
Step 2: Complete the survey
Once you have reviewed the relevant sections, complete the survey.
The survey takes around 5 minutes to complete.
What happens after consultation closes
Safe Transport Victoria will review all feedback received and make changes to the Code if needed.
The updated Code will then be provided to the Minister for Public and Active Transport for approval.
The final Code is expected to be published in mid-2026. We will also share a summary of the feedback received during consultation.
Consultation period
Consultation closes at 11:59pm, Sunday 19 April 2026.
We encourage you to provide feedback before the closing date.
Documents
Commercial Passenger Vehicle Industry Code of Practice
Consultation survey can be found here.