I wouldn't assume that you need to worry about the technicalities of store policy over befriending a co-worker. Glad to hear that more things are looking up for you man. This is a great opportunity in many ways.. Its going to be helping you out with a ride from work, your probably gaining a slight edge over your other co-workers in terms of needing days off or reconciling any future accidental slip ups.. I would say above all else, especially considering your wanting of a social life at this time.. even with those possible perks, don't let it become a mental thing of "what can this person do for me".. that is if your seeking some serious friendship. It's never a bad thing to keep in mind the perks of your acquaintances, but if that's all they ever are to you.. then they'll tend not to stay in your life for very long.. And I say that from my personal experience.. I'm just as at fault for sometimes measuring a persons worth on what they can do for me. The fault with this is, you never really make those real friendship connection, and thus you don't try as hard to fulfill the responsibilities of a "friend".. And depending the person, being a friend can be easy.. or it can be very hard.
Shit, I'm sorry man.. I didnt mean to take a negative turn with that. Just my over-analytical mindset.. haha. I'm sure it'll be fine though. Having someone to go out with for drinks.. introduce you to new and interesting people.. maybe make some connections with people of a similar mindset.. The best of things are typically accomplished when you've surrounded yourself with intelligent, similar minded people who are oriented towards similar goals. If I can say one last thing about friendship, and possibly the most important thing.. people arent friends unless you are loyal to them. Loyalty is everything.