If you are looking to become a chauffeur, ask yourself how much you know about the job. Do you really know what it means to be a chauffeur? Do you have the right background and experience, as well as the right character? Can anyone become a chauffeur? Definitely not – being a chauffeur can be wonderful and rewarding. But do not underestimate how intense the job can be too. If you are the right person, you will love it. But it definitely is not for everyone.
Excellent Driving Skills
When looking at if anybody can become a chauffeur, let’s look at the most straightforward issue first. You need to be an excellent driver, with a clean record. being an excellent driver can absolutely come from practice. But it does not mean that only older people can become a chauffeur. Of course, having many years of driving experience can help. It will probably make you a more confident driver. But being a chauffeur is much more than being confident behind the wheel.
You need to be able to drive safely, controlled and efficiently. So that means you should be able to drive in such a way that anybody will be extremely comfortable. No bump should be felt, no sudden breaks or sharp turns. There is a fairly well-known test in the industry when it comes to chauffeurs and their driving – the coffee cup test. Can someone have a cup of coffee in the backseat of your car whilst you are driving, without spilling a drop? If you can drive controlled like that, you might well be suited to be a chauffeur!
It goes without saying that as a chauffeur you should not have any speeding tickets or any other previous convictions on your driving licence. You should be able to drive safely and legally, but also efficiently. Do you know many back roads when you get stuck in traffic? Will you be able to smoothly navigate traffic jams, road closures and busy roads? Without speeding, going through red lights, or doing any other illegal driving manoeuvres. Your principal or employer will count on you to find the fastest route, but also the safest one.
Personable & Disctretion
Not anybody can become a chauffeur. Being a chauffeur means you will very closely work with your employer or principal. You will spend a lot of time with them in situations that might be very personal for them, or work-related. As a chauffeur, you will likely overhear many conversations that are not meant for you. This could be work meetings, as well as private conversations.
The key to being a good chauffeur is making sure the person you are driving can trust you. They need to be able to feel comfortable, and themselves in the car. They should feel that they can relax, and do all the things they want to and have to do. Without having to worry about you sharing any private information.
You should also be a very personable person, but understand when to be present and when no to. If your passenger would like to chat with you, you should be up for this. Even if that means it is 5am and you are feeling tired. Part of your job is making the driving experience and journey as comfortable as possible. So if they would like to have a chat, you should always be ready for small talk. Equally so, you should understand not everyone enjoys making conversation. Sense when someone wants to enjoy the car journey in peace and quiet.
Flexibility
Like any other role working for a private household, being a chauffeur requires a large level of flexibility on your part. Being a chauffeur is a critical part of any household, as you are responsible for getting everyone where they need to be, on time! So that can mean things can change at the drop of a hat. Are you ready to leave earlier because there are busy traffic jams because there might be other delays? Perhaps a meeting has changed time, a school run needs to be adjusted or anything else changed in the family’s busy schedule. They should be able to rely on you when their schedule changes. After all, you re there to make their journeys run smoothly, and stress-free.
So make sure that you understand this is not a 9-5 job. You will unlikely be working from Monday to Friday, office hours. Working early mornings, evenings and weekend can be a big part of a chauffeuring role. If you are happy with that, and it fits in with your lifestyle, then being a chauffeur might be the right thing for you!
How can Polo & Tweed Help?
Do you think you have what it takes to become a chauffeur? And would you perhaps want to find out more about what it is like to work in a private household? Or start applying for your new dream job? We are here for you! Polo & Tweed have clients all over the world who would be looking for full time and part time chauffeurs to join their household. We will help you with the whole application process, from your CV to nailing your job interview. Why not contact us here now to register with us and we look forward to speaking to you, and finding the right chauffeuring job for you!