Volunteer Driving: Helping People Stay Connected
Volunteer Driving: Helping People Stay Connected
For many people, getting from A to B is not straightforward. Older adults, people with disabilities and those living in areas with limited public transport may find it difficult to attend medical appointments, collect prescriptions, shop for essentials or visit friends and family. Volunteer driving can help bridge that gap.
What is volunteer driving?
Volunteer drivers use their own vehicles, or a vehicle provided by an organisation, to give people lifts to places they need to go. The service is often organised by charities, community groups, local councils or health and social care organisations. Some schemes focus on journeys to healthcare appointments, while others offer more general transport for everyday activities.
Volunteer driving is usually arranged in advance. A coordinator matches a passenger with a suitable driver, confirms the journey details and explains any costs or contribution towards expenses. It is not normally a substitute for an ambulance or other emergency transport.
Why it matters
Reliable transport can make a real difference to someone’s independence and wellbeing. A lift to an appointment may help a person access care they would otherwise struggle to reach. A journey to the shops or a community activity can also reduce isolation and make it easier to remain involved in everyday life.
The benefit is not only practical. A friendly conversation during the journey can offer reassurance and companionship, particularly for someone who lives alone or has limited contact with other people. Volunteer driving can therefore support connection as well as mobility.
What volunteers do
Depending on the scheme and the passenger’s needs, a volunteer driver may:
- collect a passenger from their home and take them to an agreed destination;
- wait during an appointment or arrange a return pick-up;
- provide reasonable assistance getting in and out of the vehicle;
- help with a walking aid, where this is within the volunteer’s role and training; and
- let the scheme coordinator know about delays or any concerns.
The exact responsibilities vary. Volunteers should not assume they are expected to provide personal care, lift passengers who need physical assistance or manage medical needs. These arrangements should be agreed with the organisation in advance.
Becoming a volunteer driver
People who enjoy driving and helping others may find volunteer driving rewarding. Before signing up, prospective volunteers should check the requirements of the organisation. These commonly include holding a valid driving licence, having a suitable vehicle and completing checks or training. Organisations may also ask for references and a background check where appropriate.
It is important to check that the vehicle is roadworthy and that the right insurance cover is in place for the journeys being undertaken. Insurance requirements can differ, so volunteers should speak to their insurer and the scheme coordinator before accepting bookings. Some organisations reimburse mileage or other agreed expenses; this should be confirmed beforehand.
Good communication and reliability are essential. Passengers may be depending on a lift to attend an important appointment, so volunteers should confirm bookings, arrive on time and contact the coordinator promptly if plans change.
Finding a volunteer driving service
People looking for support can ask their local council, GP surgery, social prescribing team, hospital or community organisation whether a volunteer transport scheme operates nearby. Availability, eligibility and charges vary by area, and journeys may need to be booked several days in advance.
When contacting a scheme, it can help to explain where the journey is from and to, when it is needed, whether a return journey is required and whether the passenger uses a wheelchair or other mobility aid. This allows the organisation to assess what support it can safely provide.
A small journey with a lasting impact
Volunteer driving is a practical form of community support. By giving their time and helping people reach essential services and social activities, volunteers can contribute to greater independence, access and connection. For passengers, a dependable lift may open the door to care, companionship and participation in daily life.
Volunteer Driving: Frequently Asked Questions
- How do I become a volunteer?
- Do volunteer NHS drivers get paid?
- Where can I find volunteer drivers in Cornwall?
- What is the mileage allowance for volunteers?
- What is transport volunteer?
- What is voluntary driving?
How do I become a volunteer?
To become a volunteer driver, contact a local community transport scheme, charity or council to ask about current opportunities and eligibility. You will usually need a full, valid driving licence, a suitable and roadworthy vehicle, and appropriate insurance. The organisation may also ask for references, a background check and training. Before accepting journeys, check what support the role involves, how expenses are reimbursed and what insurance arrangements apply.
Do volunteer NHS drivers get paid?
Volunteer NHS drivers are generally not paid a salary; they give their time to help patients get to appointments and other NHS services. However, many NHS organisations reimburse reasonable expenses, such as mileage and parking, in line with their policies. Arrangements can vary, so check with the relevant NHS trust or volunteer service to find out what expenses are covered.
Where can I find volunteer drivers in Cornwall?
If you need a volunteer driver in Cornwall, contact your local council, GP surgery, social prescribing team or community transport organisation to ask what schemes operate in your area. You can also search for local charities and community groups that offer lifts to medical appointments, shopping or social activities. Services, eligibility and any contribution towards costs vary, so check availability and book ahead where possible.
What is the mileage allowance for volunteers?
There is no single mileage allowance for volunteer drivers in the UK; the rate depends on the organisation’s policy. Some schemes reimburse volunteers for each mile driven, while others cover agreed travel expenses in a different way. Check the rate and what journeys are eligible with your organisation before you start, and keep a record of your mileage. HMRC mileage rates are tax guidance, not a guaranteed allowance.
What is transport volunteer?
A transport volunteer is someone who gives their time to help people get to essential appointments and everyday activities when they cannot easily travel on their own. They may drive passengers in their own vehicle or an organisation’s vehicle, for example to a GP appointment, the shops or a community group. The role varies between schemes, so volunteers should check what support is expected and whether assistance beyond the journey is provided.
What is voluntary driving?
Voluntary driving is a community service in which volunteers use their own vehicle, or one provided by an organisation, to take people to places they need to go. Journeys may include medical appointments, shopping or community activities, particularly for people who have difficulty accessing public transport. The service is usually arranged in advance through a local charity or community group, and any eligibility criteria or contribution towards travel costs will depend on the scheme.