Chauffeur

Job overview
A chauffeur is a professional driver with the responsibility of driving his or her clients to their chosen destination.

Large corporations often use fulltime chauffeurs for their top executives, while a number of specialist companies offer chauffeuring services to clients on a short-term basis.

Chauffeur's vehicles tend to be higher specification luxury sedans.
 

What do people do in this career?
It is important for the chauffeur to get to the pickup point and drop-off point on time. They must then find a suitable parking area on arrival.

During the drive, a chauffeur must always drive safely and obey all road rules.

Chauffeurs should ensure that their passengers are happy by providing refreshments and any entertainment, such as music, that the passenger might request.

A chauffeur can talk with a client, should the client wish to do so.

On arrival at the destination the chauffeur must open car doors for the occupants and assist them with their luggage.

The chauffeur's role is also ornamental, as the client is seeking to make an impression when they arrive at their destination. This means that a chauffeur must dress appropriately.

A black suit, white shirt and black tie are the standard attire.

In addition to driving duties, a chauffeur handles some administrative roles such as keeping vehicle taxes, insurance premiums and other regulatory paperwork up to date.

A chauffeur must also oversee the regular servicing of the client's vehicle and facilitate repairs when necessary.

What kinds of people are suitable for this career?
A prospective chauffeur must possess the attributes that make a good driver. These include good anticipation and positional sense.
 
A chauffeur must always be well groomed and sociable, yet discreet enough to know when to speak and when to remain quiet.

They must be consistently punctual and have good knowledge of the local roads they operate on.

What qualifications are needed?
There are no formal academic qualifications required to be a chauffeur.

A chauffeur must however possess a driving license relevant to the country they wish to work in.

It is advisable to also be in possession of a defensive driving certificate.

Established executive chauffeur businesses and large companies may require chauffeurs to undertake grooming and deportment courses, to improve their presentation, conversation and conduct.

Knowledge of basic vehicle mechanics, and the ability to repair minor problems, are a definite advantage.