Tips on Hiring Drivers

1. Interview drivers thoroughly before you hire them. Make sure that they are reasonably familiar with the routes you'll be traveling and your town in general. This obviously requires that the blind traveler also have a good knowledge of routes.
2. Pay attention to the driving behavior of your drivers. Lots of horns blowing or sharp turns may indicate that you want to hunt another driver.
3. Try recruiting among college students. They have time, cars, and a great need for pocket change. They also like a challenge!!
4. Pay for drivers varies by location. Expect to pay anywhere from $6 to $10 per hour. If you pay at the higher end of this range, you may expect the driver to provide the gas (except on very long trips). Including the cost of gas in the per hour charge simplifies the bookkeeping end of the process. Tips are appropriate for good or extra service. A few dollars is a small price to pay for keeping a good driver happy.
5. If feasible, you may want to ask local law enforcement personnel about the driving record of the people that you want to hire. At the least, obtain the social security number, driver's license number, and full name and address of any one who drives you. You might also want to write down the name of the driver's insurance company.
6. Drivers hired for infrequent and personal use are hired informally, and written contracts/agreements usually are not required. Liability is usually not a topic mentioned by prospective drivers.
7. Make your expectations clear. For example, don't make a habit of allowing the driver to run his or her errands on your personal time, don't make a habit of buying your driver meals or snacks, and make clear to your driver whether you expect driving only or driving plus assistance (such as assistance in shopping). Pay drivers from the time they leave their house to the time they arrive back home. Give drivers adequate lead-time to schedule trips, and stick to the schedules and routes you've stated. Remember that drivers have other commitments too.
8. You may be able to obtain volunteer drivers via Americorps or churches/civic groups.
9. You may have to teach drivers basic sighted guide, and if drivers drop you at the curb you may have to teach them to give you directions for walking away from the car (e.g., "the door to the store is directly to your left" or "Take a line of travel off the front of the car on your side"). The position of the sidewalk/door/curb in relation to the car often is the best orientation information available.