I’d like to be a driver, what do I need to know?

RightRides and Zipcar have very high standards for interested volunteer drivers. To qualify to drive for RightRides, you must:

  • Be at least 21 years old
  • Have a valid driver’s license (from any country) and have been licensed for at least one year.
  • If you have a US license from Puerto Rico, click here
  • If you have a Canadian license from Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, Quebec, Saskatchewan or the Yukon Territories, click here (For BC, we accept Class 5 licenses only. For Ontario, we cannot accept Class G1 licenses. )
  • If you have a license from outside US/Canada, click here
  • Have had no more than two “incidents” (moving violations PLUS accidents) in the past three years and no more than one incident in the past 18 months
  • Have had no major violations in the past three years
  • Have had no alcohol violations in the past seven years
  • Pass a criminal background check (no other type of background check is run) - why do we require this?

Drivers must have a Navigator – one of you must identify as female and you must attend both a general information session and Driving Team training.

If you have a friend/partner/co-worker that you’d like to volunteer with, bring them to the general information session! If not, no worries – we have a large pool of volunteers to pair you up with. To learn about upcoming information sessions, please email volunteer [at] rightrides [dot] org


I’d like to be a navigator, what do I need to know?

You must be able to;

  • Pass a criminal background check (no other type of background check is run) - why do we require this?
  • Take incoming text messages from the Dispatcher
  • Navigate Driver to pickup and drop-off locations
  • Foster a safe space environment by welcoming riders into the car
  • Answer any questions Riders may have about the RightRides service
  • Advocate for increased awareness and rider involvement in our related safety programs.

Navigators are in a driving team with a Driver (one of you must identify as female) and you must attend both a general information session and Driving Team training.

If you have a friend/partner/co-worker that you’d like to volunteer with, bring them to the general information session! If not, no worries – we have a large pool of volunteers to pair you up with.

Of course, it’s great if Navigators are already familiar with our service areas, but detailed maps and GPS systems are provided for your use.

To learn about upcoming information sessions, please email volunteer [at] rightrides [dot] org


What do you cover in info sessions and trainings?

During the general information session, you’ll get familiar with RightRides – our history, mission, and volunteer positions and commitments. We’ll answer any questions future volunteers might have about RightRides. We welcome your questions to make sure you have enough information to decide whether or not becoming a RightRides volunteer is right for you.

If you decide to join us as a volunteer, you’ll attend a separate Driving Team training, where we’ll go over the Driving Team manual, the events of a typical night, emergency situations, and the rules and regulations of operating the service.

We also offer our Driving Team volunteers optional diversity and awareness training through our ongoing collaborations with NYC nonprofit organizations.

To learn about upcoming information sessions, please email volunteer [at] rightrides [dot] org


When is a Driving/Navigating shift?

Drive teams shifts are from 11:59 pm to 3 a.m., on both Friday and Saturday nights (aka Saturday or Sunday mornings) – but teams must be available to pick up the car by 11:30 p.m., to be ready to go at 11:59 pm.

Teams often take the last call at 3 a.m., which means by the time teams drop the rider and the car back off at the Zipcar garage, it’s between 3:30 - 4:30 a.m.

So this is approximately a four-to-five hour volunteer shift.


How often will I Drive/Navigate?

That’s mostly up to volunteer’s personal schedule and interest, but we schedule driving teams for no more than two shifts per month, the average being once per month.

We ask that all Driving Team volunteers commit to volunteering for a minimum of 10 shifts per year – and we’re working on incentives to reward those who volunteer 5 shifts or more. Since RightRides is volunteer-run, we rely on our dedicated Driving Teams to make the service possible!


How do I get home safely after a shift?

Because we care about the safety of our volunteer driving teams too, we reimburse volunteers for a taxi ride home after their shift.


How can I sign up?

If you are interested in being a Driver or Navigator, please email us to find out about where and when we’re holding our next general information session. Please include your name, contact information, and the name and information of any friends/partners/co-workers who will be joining you.


Do you conduct background checks on volunteer Driving Teams?

Yes. Because we care about seeing our Riders home safely—not to mention the safety of our Driving Teams—we conduct criminal background checks to ensure there is no history of criminal activity.

No other type of background check is run – we are not concerned about volunteer’s financial, educational, rental or other history. All information is kept strictly confidential.


Who is a typical RightRides Volunteer?

Our volunteers are from all walks of life! Read more about our key volunteers, our Volunteers of the Month, and learn why they volunteer for RightRides here.