Chauffeur/ Driver

Chauffeurs are specialist drivers who often have expert knowledge of your location. Companies and private individuals often hire chauffeurs to drive them to destinations with a touch of style, so it is important that the chauffeur is presentable and well spoken. 

Some chauffeurs work for limousine companies and are expected to be available at a moment’s notice. The job requires someone with a patient attitude, as tight deadlines and heavy traffic can often add significant stress to a driver’s duties. A chauffeur must present themselves professionally at all times.

There are no formal qualifications required to be a chauffeur, but most employers prefer drivers with a good high school education. It is essential to have an up-to-date, clean driver’s licence, and many employers will also insist that the employee has been an active driver for at least one year. The average salary for this role is about £32,000 per year in the UK.

Description

Chauffeurs are required to drive, maintain and clean a car for their employer. They provide a more personal service than a taxi driver because they always take care of the same person or family, assisting them in getting in and out of the vehicle and opening doors. Employers for this job include private households, VIP celebrities or businesspeople, and a commercial company.

A Chauffeur usually performs many of the following tasks: 
• Ensuring the vehicle is well-maintained. 
• Helping passenger with their luggage. 
• Picking up clients. 
• Assisting people in getting in and out of the car. 
• Providing journey information to the passenger.

Skills

• Having polite manners. 
• Being patient and flexible. 
• Having a smart appearance. 
• Being punctual. 
• Having strong spoken communication skills. 
• Having knowledge about mechanics. 
• Being able to drive safely within legal limits. 
• Having geographical knowledge. 
• Being able to stay calm under difficult circumstances. 
• Having good interpersonal abilities.

Education

There are no specific entry qualifications for Chauffeur jobs. A driving licence is required, and in most cases, applicants must be free of penalty points. Some employers require an advanced driving certificate from the Institute of Advanced Motorists. It is also recommended to have several years of driving experience for the application process.

Other requirements for some jobs include applicants without criminal records and who are medically fit for their duties. There are on-the-job training schemes supervised by an employer. Other qualifications for this area are SVQs and NVQs in road passenger transport.