Behind The Van Door: Inside The World Of An Amish Taxi Driver
Haley Straw guest posts today about her experiences as an Amish taxi driver. This is the first of a planned series of posts giving you an insider’s look at Amish taxi driving. A special thanks to Haley for sharing with us.
I’ll always remember standing in my Amish friends’, the Millers’, front yard, our little girls giggling and frolicking about, while Delbert and I visited. Even after knowing Delbert for a year, he could still surprise me – and that fall morning was no different.
“Haley, you know I’ve been reading the Amish Voice (Joe and Ester Keim). Something feels off to me about the way the Amish worship and live; too many man-made rules. I’d like you to take me to an English church in King City. (The Amish call all non-Amish “English,” since we speak the English language.). Would you be willing to do that?”
I wasn’t surprised by his question, because Delbert was always learning something new, always questioning, and always up for a new experience; that was a tough one for me to answer.
Then there was the time Rosemary, my dear, sweet ex-Amish friend and daughter of Delbert, asked me to drive her and an Amish friend to the church she and her family had joined after recently leaving the Amish.
Since I was a well-known driver in the community, no one would raise an eyebrow if they saw me picking up Elsa, her friend.
However, if they saw Rosemary driving a car and picking up her Amish friend, that would cause a significant problem for Elsa, not only with her family but also with the elders in the community. Once the Amish in this community leave the religion, they are shunned, and communicating with them is forbidden.
Finally, there was Enos, who asked me to drive him into town. He claimed he needed to talk to someone at the bar.
I was born and raised Mormon. Mormons are taught to abstain from alcohol, cigarettes, and immoral behavior—so bars were off-limits to me. Interestingly, the Amish are also taught to avoid alcohol and smoking, though I know of a few communities where men smoke cigarettes.
I took him anyway. It was my first time inside a bar, and I was so uncomfortable – I never wanted to go to another one. It just wasn’t my place, and I couldn’t understand how Enos was comfortable there either.
Those rides caused me to pause because of the questions they raised. When is a ride just a ride? When does it carry more weight than we expect?
The Amish & Hired Drivers
Van driving for the Amish didn’t become commonplace until relatively recently. Before the 1970s, most Amish depended on horse and buggies.
When they traveled farther than their horse and buggies could reasonably take them, 10-20 miles, they rode buses or trains.
The van era ushered in new possibilities—and new moral terrain. As rural roads widened and distances between settlements grew, hiring a driver became not just practical but necessary.
Enter the Van Rider’s Handbook (copyright 2000 by Plain Interests). At about 68 pages in some editions, it’s less a rulebook and more a moral compass.
It collects the voices, practices, and cautions of van drivers and Amish communities across states. It outlines five legitimate reasons to hire a van driver and cautions against specific uses that risk moral compromise.
Over the years, I’ve learned that being an Amish taxi driver is about more than transportation—it’s about trust. Every trip carries layers of meaning that only reveal themselves over time.
Sometimes the ride is practical—a doctor’s appointment, a trip to the hardware store, or a visit to family.
Other times, it’s deeply personal, even spiritual. In those moments, I’ve found myself not just behind the wheel, but standing quietly at the crossroads between two worlds: the plain and the modern.
Drivers like me see glimpses of private lives that most outsiders never do.
We’re there when the Amish celebrate weddings or mourn losses, when they wrestle with questions of faith, or when they simply want to see what lies beyond the edges of their community.
Each ride is a story—some lighthearted, some complicated, all deeply human.
In this series of articles entitled “Tales from an Amish Taxi Driver,” I’ll share where the Amish have asked me to take them – and why.
We’ll look at the more conventional, accepted reasons for Amish taxi trips, and times when the line gets crossed. Would my Amish passengers always be comfortable letting their bishops know where they are going?
We’ll also explore navigating boundaries as an Amish taxi driver – and some of the more memorable cultural learning experiences for both driver and passengers. Stay tuned for more.
Haley Straw spent eight years driving for the Amish full-time and now writes about those experiences from her century-old county jailhouse home. A homeschooling mom of six, survival-skills teacher, and author, Haley writes about life, faith, and the beauty of ordinary moments.
You can find her books and free Amish-inspired extras — like printable calendars and bookmarks — at haleystraw.com.
Amish driver
I have been driving Amish for over 20 years. I live in southern Maryland and started as a fill in driving school children. I have been all over New York, Pennsylvania , Virginia, Kentucky, and Maryland. It is truly an adventure. I had eye surgery and can no longer drive, I lived in a camper but now have a handicapped apartment the Amish fixed for me. They converted chicken coop. I am truly blessed to have them still in my life. They check on me, bring me goodies and just visit.
True Christian love
That sounds like you are living among a group of true Christian people who are practicing Godly Love by building you a place to stay and to check on you after you helped them for many years with your van driving. Treating others as we would wish to be treated.
Blessed
Merrillyn, this warms my heart! What a blessing, to drive the precious, darling scholars – my farm is next door to an Amish schoolhouse, each weekday morning they ride by on their razor scooters, or in their cart and pony. Nothing sweeter!
Your story sounds similar to the story of a driver in our community – they built a house for him, fed him, checked on him, and loved him. He drove for many years as well and became part of their family.
“People with a heart for God have a heart for people.” Amish Proverb
I’m an occasional Amish taxi driver; have provided rides for Amish from three different settlements. I really identified with what you wrote — especially the sentence:
“Each ride is a story—some lighthearted, some complicated, all deeply human”.
I look forward to reading further articles about your experiences as an Amish taxi driver.
One who has been there
I appreciate that so much! I look forward to more of your insights, too – we are a rare breed, Amish taxi drivers.
“Every day is a journey – pray for strength to travel it well.: Amish Proverb
Charter Bus
I’ve driven many many Amish trips in a motorcoach over the last 10 years. Truly a lot of good times. Now I’m thinking about downsizing and driving a van. I’ll be interested in more about the business side of the taxi driver.
True stories
I look forward to more behind the scenes stories. What an interesting concept.
Amish Driver
I am so looking forward to reading more of Haley’s stories.
Thanks for publishing this Erik
Blessings
Maxine
Has a Substack
Really enjoyed this article and was delighted to see that Haley Straw also has a Substack.
Amish Driver Haley Straw
Gee, Haley mentioned things I never would’ve thought of before, such as the “moral” questions. I wonder how many of those who drive for the Plain folks even consider such things?? I greatly look forward to her next post. Have a terrific day everyone! ☮️
The morality of it
Hi K.D.
I’m glad this article gave you something else to consider. Yeah, I never considered the morality of driving or riding a vehicle. How many taxi drivers consider the morality of it? From what I’ve seen, not many. I have stories about some taxi drivers that would make your toes curl – drivers just like the Amish are human too.
I am an Amish driver
My biggest concern is seat belts,
They really don’t like to put them on, it’s a struggle getting them to understand the situation they are putting them self’s in.
I think in part they trust the driver to be a safe driver and they are completely comfortable, not me I am not at all comfortable.
Well let me end it here, I’m still trying to find a copy of the Amish van driver. I hope to find one someday.
Amish van rules
Hi Wayne,
I really appreciate your comment. I get that – Amish don’t have seatbelts in their buggies, so why would they want to be confined when they ride in vans?
When I was driving maxi-vans in Missouri, they were licensed so that only the two front passengers were required by law to wear seatbelts. The Amish preferred it that way. Many in my area believe that if something harmful happens, it’s God’s will — no matter where they are or what precautions they take. That might be part of why they tend to be more relaxed about safety rules.
As for the manuals, they’re now printed in Howe, Indiana. I’d suggest calling an Amish business there — they can usually point you in the right direction.