Help Keep Our Wheels Turning

How does it work?

Clients living in Gillingham or an SP8 village contact our coordinators to request a driver to take them to their medical appointment.  The coordinator checks our database to see which drivers are available and contacts them by phone or text to see if they are able to take the job. 

I drive a Mini, can I still drive for car link?

Yes, our drivers own a variety of vehicles, from a smart car to four wheel drives.

Can I refuse a job?   I only have a few hours to spare.

You let us know the times you are available and the coordinator will offer you jobs on those days. It is up to you to decide whether to take it or not. If you have other commitments, you just say no thank you. You really can fit it in around your daily life.

How much notice will I get?

We ask our clients to give us at least two days notice when they need a car. This means that we can normally give you at least a day. Normally it is longer than that, sometimes up to a month. Don’t forget you can always say no.

You say you pay expenses, will that really cover my costs?

We pay 60 pence per mile i.e. 55p + 5p as carrying a passenger, for the full journey from your home and back to your home. That is the maximum allowed as expenses by HMRC. It will cover your fuel costs and a portion of your tax insurance and other running costs.

How far will I have to drive.  I only want to drive locally.

A lot of our journeys are around town. Taking people to doctor’s appointments, dentists, opticians etc.  If you only want local jobs, the coordinator will only offer you local jobs. Otherwise many of our journeys are to local hospitals such as Wincanton, or further afield to hospitals in Salisbury, Yeovil, Dorchester and occasionally to Southampton, Taunton or Bristol.   Drivers let us know where they are willing to drive to.

Do I need special insurance?

No as long as you are only paid expenses your standard “Social Domestic and Pleasure purposes” insurance will cover it. We advise our drivers to inform their insurance company but they will not increase your premium.

Are expenses taxable?  

Mileage expenses are not taxable as they are not considered income and they are below the taxable benefits threshold.

Can I volunteer if I am on benefits?

Yes, you can.  Volunteering as a driver will not affect your benefits

Will I have to pay for parking?

No, volunteer Link drivers have a permit which gives them free parking at hospitals. The permits don’t work at all locations so if you have to pay for parking you can reclaim that on your expense claim. Please provide a receipt if possible.

How long do I have to wait at hospitals?

We would expect you to wait no more than 1-2 hours.  If your wait time is more than 2 hours you can claim for reasonable refreshments and submit a receipt with your expense claim.

Do I have to look after the clients?

Many of our clients are elderly and many use rollators.  They may need a helping hand, but you are not a carer, you are a driver.   If the client needs help at his/her appointment, they will come with a companion.  We don’t take wheelchairs.