The basics of what the professional chauffeur does will give you an idea of the fundamental duties.

• Driving – Picking up passengers and dropping them off at the destinations
• Route planning – Considering traffic and weather when planning routes
• Follow the route – Following GPS devices and ‘mental’ route
• Luggage assistance – Helping passengers with shopping, bags or luggage
• A helping hand – Assisting passengers to safely board and alight from the vehicle
• Informing the passengers – Keeping passengers updated with their journey status
• Informing the office – Keeping the office informed of any developments
• Maintaining the shine – Cleaning and maintaining the vehicle

The best chauffeurs pull away serenely and glide to a gentle stop. They drive with great anticipation. Reading the road ahead to allow plenty of time to react in order to give the most comfortable ride, for the passengers. It is an art. The devil is in the details. And so is the joy. Chauffeur driving skills for example can make a great difference to the safety and comfort of the passengers. Plus the carbon footprint and emissions of the journey.

Opening the passenger’s doors is an important task for any chauffeur. Knowing when to offer a supporting arm to assist the client in alight the vehicle is important. Opening the doors is a fundamental duty for any chauffeur. From suitcases to laptops, great care must be taken. Similar care is required to check nothing has been left in the vehicle, such as a mobile phone or sunglasses, which can make or break someone’s day. Carrying heavy luggage for the client takes the weight from their shoulders and helps make the journey more pleasurable.

Wikipedia says that ‘A chauffeur is a person employed to drive a passenger motor vehicle, especially a luxury vehicles such as a large sedan or limousine’. Keeping the vehicle pristine and in good mechanical order is essential. Polished to perfection, a well-maintained chauffeur car is a beautiful thing to behold. In excellent working order means one less thing to worry about. Tyre condition and pressure. Check. Oil and water levels. Check. Lights working. Check. Service interval maintained. Check. Peace of mind. Check. A good chauffeur will always be cleaning and polishing, whenever they have a ‘spare’ moment. A car clean is never done. It is always a work in progress.

IN CONTROL OF THE CONTROLS

THE VEHICLE’S CONTROLS AND FEATURES

Knowing the vehicle’s controls means the chauffeur can quickly dial in the right temperature for the client. Or switch radio stations, to something more pleasing to the client’s ear. Similarly operating electric blinds or seats should be well practiced. Some homework here really separates the good chauffeurs, from the great.

Abiding by road regulations or performing vehicle maintenance are constants in this work. It is imperative that the chauffeur abides by road regulations at all times. Knowing, and staying up-to-date on the Highway Code deeply helps. It is a fundamental duty that the chauffeur never speeds. Or drives in any other unsafe way. The greatest chauffeurs drive safely, smoothly, and serenely.

Abiding by road regulations or performing vehicle maintenance are constants in this work. It is imperative that the chauffeur abides by road regulations at all times. Knowing, and staying up-to-date on the Highway Code deeply helps. It is a fundamental duty that the chauffeur never speeds. Or drives in any other unsafe way. The greatest chauffeurs drive safely, smoothly, and serenely.

Occasionally a chauffeur will be the client’s tour guide. Not to the standard of a blue or green tour badge holder, but as a chauffeur guide to offer anecdotes and a general overview. The best chauffeurs are local experts and can help their clients discover some of the lesser-known history and facts of the area.

A chauffeur often has a close relationship with their clients. All chauffeur chauffeurs sign a non-disclosure agreement. What goes on in the car stays in the car. A chauffeur may be privy to sensitive information, it is important that this is treated with the utmost confidence.

The duties of a chauffeur are diverse and comprehensive. A great chauffeur will be driven to please in all areas. From driving duties to helping with the luggage, excellence is the goal.