The Ruling on Women Riding with a Non-Mahram Driver

Question:
A woman asks, saying: We are a large family, and we have a driver who takes us to schools, markets, and relatives. What is the ruling on our riding with him inside the city and outside of it? Knowing that there is no man with us in the car?

Answer:
There is no harm in that. You may be with the driver if those present are two or more, and there is no suspicion. So, there is nothing wrong with two of them going out with him to school out of necessity, and returning with him. It must be two or more, not one. He must not be alone with one woman. Rather, it is obligatory that the passengers with him be two or more in a manner free from suspicion. If it is possible for a man to be with them, that is better and more correct. But, praise be to Allah, that is sufficient; because this is not possible for everyone. So, in the town and its surroundings, it is sufficient for two or more women to go out.
As for if the journey is considered travel (safar), it is not permissible except with a mahram. If it is considered travel, it is obligatory that there be a mahram. But as long as it is within the town and the outskirts of the town, there is nothing wrong with someone else being with the driver, a second man, or a second woman, so that seclusion (khalwah) does not occur. And it is obligatory that the second woman with him is not one who is a cause of suspicion. As for two women who are a cause of suspicion, that does not suffice. It is obligatory that they be far from suspicion.
Q: Is it a condition that he be of advanced age?
The Shaykh: It is not a condition. But if he is of advanced age, that is good. And if he is with his wife or his mother, that is good. But this may not be possible. Then, it must be noted that it is obligatory with hijab and distance from the causes of fitnah. And she must be covered, wearing hijab, and far from the causes of fitnah, so that no evil occurs between them and him.