ChurchRide
Volunteer Driver Training

Driving with care, serving with love.

Thank you for volunteering to drive for your church. This guide covers the safety protocols, operating standards, and expectations that keep every passenger safe on their way to worship. Please read it fully before your first run.

Before You Drive

Checks and credentials for every volunteer driver.

  • Hold a valid UK driving licence appropriate for the vehicle size (category B for minibuses up to 8 seats where eligible; C1/D1 for larger vehicles).
  • Complete a visual vehicle check before each run: tyres, lights, indicators, mirrors, seatbelts, fuel/charge level, and fluid levels.
  • Confirm the assigned vehicle and run details in the ChurchRide Driver app before setting off.
  • Carry your driving licence and insurance details; ensure the vehicle is taxed, MOT'd, and insured for volunteer use.

Route & Pickup Safety

Following your route safely and on time.

  • Review the optimised pickup route and stop order in the app before departure.
  • Follow the app's stop sequence — do not re-order stops unless there is a safety or traffic reason, and note it in the run.
  • Observe all speed limits, parking restrictions, and bus-stop rules. Never block driveways or double-park at pickups.
  • Allow extra time for passengers who may need assistance boarding or alighting.
  • Use the "Head to Church" status once all pickups are complete so members know the bus is on its way.

Passenger Safety & Accessibility

Looking after everyone on board.

  • Greet each passenger by name where possible and confirm against your stop list.
  • Ensure every passenger is seated with a seatbelt fastened before moving off.
  • Assist elderly passengers, those with mobility aids, or parents with young children as needed.
  • Do not exceed the vehicle's seating capacity. If over capacity, contact the church admin — do not let anyone travel unrestrained.
  • Respect passenger privacy and confidentiality — do not share personal details or conversations outside the role.

Driving Conduct

How to carry your passengers with care.

  • Drive smoothly — avoid harsh braking and acceleration, especially with elderly passengers on board.
  • Keep conversation light and respectful; be mindful that some passengers value a quiet journey.
  • Do not use your phone while driving — the app provides navigation; pull over safely to read messages.
  • Arrive at the church by the service start time and remain with the vehicle until passengers have safely entered.
  • For the return trip, confirm who is travelling back before departing the church.

Emergencies & Incidents

What to do when something goes wrong.

  • In a breakdown or accident, stop safely, switch on hazard lights, and ensure passengers are safe and away from traffic where possible.
  • Call 999 if there is any injury, fire, or immediate danger. Contact the church admin via the app chat or phone as soon as it is safe.
  • For no-shows or last-minute cancellations, mark the stop as "No show" in the app so the run updates correctly.
  • Never continue driving if you feel unwell, fatigued, or unable to drive safely — pull over and contact the admin.

Safety Knowledge Check

A short quiz to confirm you have read the guidelines.

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Before setting off on your first run, what must you confirm in the ChurchRide app?

Ready to drive?

Once you have read this guide, contact your church admin to be assigned as a driver. You will receive your runs through the ChurchRide Driver app.

Sign in to the driver app
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