Driving for Royal Voluntary Service
All volunteers who are willing to drive their own vehicles for Royal Voluntary Service must read the information below and confirm that they have the following arrangements in place:
- I confirm that the vehicle being used is roadworthy as outlined by UK law, has a valid MOT certificate where appropriate and is taxed for use on the roads.
- I confirm that my driving license is valid, in date and appropriate for the vehicle I’m using.
Support for people who use their cars to help their communities
Volunteers using their own car for voluntary purposes to support others should check the information on the Association of British Insurers website before undertaking any driving or other activity with your vehicle as you may not be insured, the information includes a list of insurers who do not charge extra for volunteer driving.
Top tips
- We recommend you carry drinking water, hand sanitiser and mobile phone in your vehicle at all times.
- Make someone aware of where you are going and when you are expected to return.
- If lifting heavy items into your vehicle, please make sure you lift by bending your knees and not your back.
- All drivers and passengers must wear a seatbelt and not use a handheld mobile phone whilst driving.
- Do not leave medication or equipment unattended in the vehicle for any length of time and where possible hide from view. We appreciate you may be delivering to several locations but do not leave medication in view whilst you are away from your vehicle.
- If you are unable to deliver any medication or equipment, please return it to the pickup site the same day.
Driving emergency procedures
If you are involved in a road traffic accident or an incident which results in damage to your vehicle, loss or damage to property or injury to any people you must tell our Support Team 0808 196 3382. All incidents and accidents must be recorded and reported in accordance with the incident, accident and allegation reporting procedures.
Follow the guidance below if you are involved in a vehicle accident:
Vehicle accident
- Do not move injured passengers unless they are in immediate danger of further injury from other vehicles or from fire or explosion.
- Call the emergency services immediately; provide them with information about the situation.
- Determine the extent of and damage to both vehicles and/or property.
- Do not under any circumstances apologise, admit blame or accept liability.
- Record as far as you are able, the details of the accident.
- Exchange information with others involved as detailed.
- If possible take photographs of the incident, and obtain statements from any independent witnesses.
- Report the accident/incident immediately to the Support Team by calling 0808 196 3382.
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Page last reviewed: 11 March 2024
