Chauffeurs drive clients to and from destinations, making sure that their journey is safe, comfortable and on time. They work in a number of different settings and their exact duties will depend upon the nature of their job.

Many chauffeurs work for luxury vehicle hire firms and limousine companies, taking clients to meetings and social events. This may include weddings, parties and funerals. Security duties may form part of the job, for example, if the client is a professional sportsperson, celebrity or politician. Some companies also offer chauffeur-driven sightseeing trips and privately organised tours. 

Larger companies and hotels employ chauffeurs to drive individuals and corporate clients to appointments and engagements, and provide airport and seaport transfers for clients making business trips. 

Chauffeurs can also work privately for a family, taking the children to school in the morning and picking them up in the afternoon; running errands; driving family members on social outings; and checking the family's property when they are away on holiday.

In all cases, chauffeurs have to provide excellent customer service, taking care of their passengers at all times. They assist passengers with their luggage, help them get in and out of the vehicle if required, check they are safe and comfortable, provide journey information and make sure their vehicle is clean and well maintained.

Hours and Environment

You will not usually have a fixed working pattern as a chauffeur. The hours can be very irregular, depending on your employer. You may have to spend nights away from home and work early mornings, evenings, bank holidays and weekends. Split-shifts are also a common feature of the job, giving you free time in the afternoon. Temporary and part-time work is also common.

As a chauffeur, you will spend a lot of your time behind the wheel, either driving or waiting to pick up your clients. Your employer will normally provide a uniform.              

Skills and Interests

To be a chauffeur you need:

• excellent driving skills and respect for other road users
• excellent customer care skills
• a smart appearance
• the ability to work with people at all levels
• a polite, diplomatic and professional manner at all times
• excellent timekeeping  
• a responsible attitude towards client privacy and safety
• a willingness to work flexibly
• some basic vehicle maintenance knowledge
• excellent geographical and route knowledge 
• the ability to deal calmly with unexpected circumstances or delays.

Entry

You do not need any formal qualifications to work as a chauffeur but a full UK driving licence is essential, and you will need proven driving experience. You will usually have to be at least 21 years old for insurance purposes.

Many employers will want to see some evidence of driver training, for example an advanced driving certificate from the Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM). See the IAM website in Further Information for details.

Employers may also have specific requirements, such as non-smoking, the ability to speak a foreign language or car maintenance skills.

Previous driving work, such as taxi, police or armed forces driving, will put you at an advantage.

Training

If you work for a company as a chauffeur, you may receive further on-the-job training, for example first aid or security awareness, otherwise it will be your responsibility to take care of your ongoing training needs.

The British Chauffeurs Guild offers a Security Chauffeur Training Course, which is usually held over a weekend and covers various aspect of the job, including safe driving techniques, customer care, details about the Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM) test and information for self-employed chauffeurs. See the Guild's website in Further Information.  

The IAM itself offers a range of short training courses for chaffeurs, including the Fleet Chauffeur Training Certificate. See the IAM website for details.

There are also private training providers throughout the UK, offering short courses in chauffeur driving. You can find details about these by searching online or looking in your local business directories.

Once you are working, you may be able to study towards the NVQ Level 2 in Road Passenger Transport or the ASET Level 2 Certificate in Defensive Driving.

Opportunities

You will find job opportunities as a chauffeur with:

• private individuals
• large companies or organisations
• hotels and tour operators
• car hire companies that provide chauffeur-driven cars for special events, such as weddings
• personal security companies. 

There are limited promotion prospects, although there may be the possibility to become self-employed.

Annual Income

Figures are intended as a guideline only. Salaries can vary widely, depending on the contract, location and employer.

New chauffeurs may earn between £12,000 and £16,000 a year.
Experienced chauffeurs can earn up to £30,000 a year.

Further information

IAM House
510 Chiswick Road
London
W4 5RG
Tel: 020 8996 9600 Concorde House
Trinity Park
Solihull
Birmingham
B37 7UQ
Tel: 0121 635 5520