CHPV Drivers

Expectations for Volunteer Drivers 

• Volunteer drivers use their own insurance coverage and drive their own vehicles. An up-to-date copy of the driver's license and auto insurance card must be on file in the CHPV office. 
• Any parking fees that may be incurred during a transportation service should be paid by the member. Be sure to check whether the Member has money to pay for parking prior to leaving home.  
• If the Member offers to pay for gas, politely decline. Providing your own gas will prevent complications later between the Volunteer and a Member who feels that buying gas has put the Volunteer at the Member’s disposal for running errands.
• Volunteers may deduct car and transportation expenses incurred to get back and forth from home to your office, or to meetings or other sites, such as special events.
• Volunteers who drive may choose between deducting actual gas and oil used. As this rate may change annually, check with the IRS for the rate. Volunteers may also add in tolls. (Parking fees are to be paid by Members receiving transportation services.)
• Volunteers may not claim general car repair and maintenance expenses, depreciation, registration fees, or the costs of tires or insurance.
• Those volunteers taking public transportation may deduct subway, bus, or taxi fare.
• Make sure your vehicle is clean and free of smoke and offensive odors.
• Exit your vehicle to open and close the doors, and provide assistance to and from the destination when needed.
• Assist the member in the process of being seated, including fastening the seat belt, if the member needs assistance.
• Check the vehicle at the end of the assignment, and retrieve all personal items before leaving the member at their destination
• Do not use alcohol, narcotics, or controlled substances while driving. (Prescribed medication may be used by a driver as long as the service can still be performed safely and CHPV has written documentation that the medication will not impair the ability of the driver).
• Avoid distractions while driving, such as using a cell phoneor texting.
• Pull off the road to make or take messages pertinent to the task.