Travelling to and from school on your own is an important milestone. In NSW, many students are ready to become independent travellers at around 10–12 years of age. However, everyone develops at their own pace, and readiness also depends on the traffic environment and the route you travel. Before travelling on your own, practise your route with a trusted adult and make sure you know how to travel safely.

Benefits of travelling independently

Choosing to walk, ride or use public transport to get to and from school offers many benefits.

• Keeps you fit and healthy.
• Provides a great opportunity to socialise with friends.
• Builds confidence with navigating the traffic environment.
• Improves concentration and readiness to learn.
• Supports mental health by reducing stress and anxiety.
• Reduces traffic congestion around schools.
• Contributes to environmental sustainability.

Responsibilities for travelling independently

• Follow the road rules.
• Make safe choices in the road and traffic environment.
• Stay alert and pay attention to your surroundings in the road and traffic environment.
• Minimise distractions and avoid mobile phone use while travelling.
• Be organised to allow enough time to get to school safely without rushing
• Plan and practise safe routes to and from school.

Have a backup-plan

Talk with your family about what to do if things don’t go as planned. This could include:

• running late
• missing the bus, train, metro, light rail or ferry
• catching the wrong bus, train, metro, light rail or ferry
• losing your travel pass
• wet weather making travel harder
• losing your phone or having a flat battery
• feeling unsafe while travelling

Further information to help families and students support safe independent travel when ready.