Some good advice here and especially from VDCdriver about liability issues.
On the local news here tonight it was reported that a local cop had given a few firefighters a ride across town in the cruiser while they were attending a conference or something. The cruiser crashed and one of the guys was hurt pretty bad.
The city had to cough up 175k dollars (the limit allowed by law) to settle their end of the suit and the remainder is still being squabbled over.
That also brings up another point. This means you’re carrying passengers for hire so your state may require a CDL of some sort.
As VDCdriver mentions, get involved in even a minor wreck (even if someone else is at fault) and they may go after you anyway.
Is this in Montana or something? 45 miles seems like a bit much for a 1-way trip to school.