A chauffeur is a person employed to drive a passenger motor vehicle, especially a luxury vehicle such as a large saloon or Limousine. Originally such drivers were always personal servants of the vehicle owner, but now in many cases specialist chauffeur service companies, or individual drivers provide both driver and vehicle for hire.
Licensing or screening is of utmost importance to any reputable private chauffeur or “operator” of a fleet of vehicles and any person requiring such a service of either should check the credentials of either before proceeding.
Hire of a chauffeur and or vehicles are categorised as “Private hire“ and not taxi or hackney Carriage operators/cars and therefore cannot pick up from the street by flagging down in the usual taxi method, but require pre booking by any means. This action is actually preferred by most private chauffeurs with as much notice as practically possible as the standards within the industry are usually and should be quite high and the preparation by the owner of the vehicle usually takes some time in anticipation of the next “job
Vehicle cleanliness both inside and out are vital and legally in the UK shall be no smoking. The provisions of bottled water, newspapers, peanuts and or sweets are common and almost expected these days with all chauffeurs immaculately presented in 3 piece suit, clean pressed white shirt and tie. Polished shoes and attention to detail such as clean fingernails and hair shall be addressed and will address all clients as “Sir” or “Madam” and be respectful at all times.
Courteous and safe driving with high regard to other road users will be adopted, which is why chauffeuring is not for everyone. A high degree of patience is required and the ability to think quickly and make on the spot decisions is also an asset. Chauffeurs may also work with business leaders, VIP’s, celebrities and high profile personnel, so discretion may be required when with such individuals.