The Road Between Worlds: Navigating Boundaries as an Amish Taxi Driver
Haley Straw is back with the fourth installment on what it’s like to be an Amish taxi driver. Here’s part one, part two and part three if you missed them.
Setting Boundaries, Asking Questions
Edna called one day and asked if I was available on October 10th.
“Yes,” I said.
“Great,” she replied. “We’d like to be picked up at 10:00 p.m.”
Okay, I thought… waiting for the rest. I hadn’t committed to anything yet—I was just listening.
It took me a while to learn that when the Amish call for a ride, I need to ask questions: Where are we going? Why? How many people? When will we return? I like to know what I’m getting into before I say yes.
One thing I do know for certain—99% of Amish trips involve taking the shortest route possible to save a dollar.
And let me tell you, that’s gotten me into more than one mess—stuck in mudholes, trapped in snowdrifts, and dodging deer for miles down backcountry gravel roads.
Then there are personal boundaries.
Once, at a wedding in Wisconsin, a young couple asked if they could sit in the back of my van together. I hesitated but said yes. Oh boy, was I naïve. Later, another driver pointed out that couples sometimes use those moments for… well, more than conversation.
On the drive home, I asked an Amish elder if I’d made a mistake. He said yes—if they were courting seriously. “But,” he added, “they have agency. They must know what’s right.”
His words comforted me. As a new driver, I had so much to learn.
Cultural Conversations & Tough Topics
Elmer climbed into the front seat beside me—my guide for the trip.
“Elmer,” I asked, “did you notice anything unusual about the lady at the checkout desk?”
His eyebrows shot up. “No… why?”
I hesitated, unsure if I should tell him or let him stay in his innocent Amish bubble. “Well,” I said, “that lady was actually a man.”
He froze, jaw slack.
The world outside the Amish bubble can be loud—and confusing. I’ve had to explain more than a few things to my passengers: why people dress the way they do, what certain political signs mean, what billboards advertise, and even what slang words refer to.
Many Amish live relatively isolated lives, reading only publications from the Plain community and avoiding mainstream media. Unless someone tells them, they often don’t know what’s happening beyond their community.
As a driver, I walk a delicate line—being truthful while respecting their innocence.
Safety, Law, and Respect for the Van
Recently, my neighbor Emmanuel asked if I’d take twelve people in my minivan to the bus station, ninety miles away in Kansas City. I told him no. That’s not safe, and it’s not responsible.
I offered to take six and encouraged him to find another driver for the rest. Instead, he found a driver who agreed to cram thirteen people into his minivan.
That driver opened himself up to serious legal risk: reckless driving, overloading a vehicle, and even vehicular manslaughter if an accident occurred due to excess weight. Many Amish, in their efforts to save money, often fail to understand that the consequences fall on the driver.
The Van Rider’s Handbook has an entire section called “Safety Is No Accident.” That’s not just a slogan—it’s a creed.
Drivers must draw the line. We must say no to unsafe requests and insist that our passengers treat our vehicles with respect. I always ask mine to clean up after themselves so the van stays clean and welcoming for the next group.
While growing up, I dreamed of being a wife and stay-at-home mom, with a cozy house in the city and a family cat. I never imagined I’d be living in rural Missouri, using our family’s maxi-van to drive Amish families around. Back then, I didn’t even know what an Amish taxi driver was.
This life is far from what I expected—but it’s one I’m deeply grateful for.
Being an Amish driver is more than just a job; it’s a window into another world, one few outsiders ever get to see. I’ve laughed, prayed, and learned alongside the Amish—becoming their witness, confidant, and friend.
Every trip has taught me something new about humanity, humility, and the quiet beauty of simplicity. That’s why I’ve spent years documenting my journeys: because these stories aren’t just mine, they belong to anyone willing to slow down and listen.
The Amish travel more than most people realize. They run errands, attend funerals, visit family, work, and dream. I hope this glimpse—through the van’s window—offers a bit of understanding and maybe even inspiration.
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.
Haley Straw Story Part 4
Just one comment/question: What good could it possibly do to tell an Amish person that a “lady” in a store is actually a man?? Perhaps best to let the Amish remain in their “bubble”. Just my own observation. (not condemning anyone)
Valid Question
Hi K.D.,
That’s a fair question — and I understand your perspective. The Amish and I often find ourselves in thoughtful conversations about how much the world is changing. Things that seem ordinary to most of us can feel surprising or even confusing to them, since their communities are so sheltered from modern culture. Moments like that often lead to interesting discussions about values, simplicity, and how different our worlds can be — and yet how much we can still learn from each other.
Warmly,
Haley
Haley Straw . . .
Hi, Haley . . .
Thanks very much for all your insight, honesty and warmth. Sadly, these things seem so lacking in our hectic world today. Best Wishes. K.D.
Thank You
I’m interested in these articles because we just started driving our Amish neighbors when we moved up to NW Pa.
New Driver
Hi Cindy,
How wonderful that you’ve begun driving for your Amish neighbors! It’s such a rewarding experience — full of unexpected life lessons and cherished friendships. When I first started, a fellow driver gave me two pieces of advice that have always stayed with me:
“They’re good people. Once they get to know and trust you, they’ll do anything for you.”
“Always be on time, be honest, and be dependable, and you’ll always have business.”
Simple words, but they’ve proven true time and again. I wish you many safe miles and good conversations on the road ahead.
Warmly,
Haley
Thanks
Thank you Haley for these wonderful insights into your time as an Amish taxi driver.
The way you have shared experiences and friendships, and always with respect and love has been wonderful
Blessings
Maxine
Grateful
Hi Maxine,
Thank you so much for your kind words — they truly mean a lot. I’ve been blessed by the friendships and lessons I’ve found along these backroads, and I’m grateful to share them with others who appreciate this way of life and the people who live it.
“Every day is a journey; pray for strength to travel it well.”
Gratefully,
Haley
Wonderful stories
I cannot express how much I’ve enjoyed this 4-part insight into the life on an Amish driver.
Haley writes so beautifully; she transports you into this cozy place, where you feel so grateful to get a little sneak peek into the lives of the Amish from a non-Amish perspective. I love how mindful she is about what all the ramifications of each decision mean, and you can feel she is as mesmerized about their universe as we are.
It has been such an inspiration to read, and I look very much forward to getting her book: just the idea of having all these wonderful and cozy stories sitting in my bookshelf, waiting to transport me into this magical world.
Thank you Haley for having brought some light into our days 🙂
Sara (from Italy, sending you my best again!)
Across the Mighty Seas
Sara, your words are like a letter carried on a warm breeze—what a blessing to read them! I’m so grateful that these little stories from my corner of the world found their way to yours.
“A joyful heart is the mirror of a thankful soul.” Amish Proverb