EVALUATING A GREAT CHAUFFEUR:
The following are some insights that will not only allow you to think a little bit more about who is driving your family, clients, or colleagues to the airport, hotel, or any other location or event that requires private limousine service, but they will also allow you to ask some important questions to your transportation provider.
The following are some prevalent considerations:
1. Consideration Number One: Obtaining the Appropriate Chauffeur's License
It is possible that a chauffeur may be needed to carry a certain kind of license, although this would vary from state to state and municipality to municipality. In certain cases, the minimum age requirement and the number of years of driving experience must also be met. Any professional limousine service would be more than willing to provide you with documentation that verifies the skills of its drivers.
2. An Accident-Free Driving History, the Second Thought
A spotless driving record is a must for the job of chauffeur since it is the duty of the chauffeur to ensure that all passengers are kept safe. Inquire about the company's guidelines about the driving histories of its chauffeurs. If they aren't perfectly clean, you should look for another business.
3. Observation No. 3: Dress Appropriate for the Occupation
Limos are frequently booked for formal or special events such as proms, weddings, anniversaries, and corporate gatherings. Other common uses include airport transportation. You wouldn't dare show up at any of these establishments wearing jeans, and neither should your chauffeur. A chauffeur need to have a professional appearance, and the time-honored black-and-white attire is appropriate in any circumstance.
4. Thought Number Four: Sufficient Instruction
A superb chauffeur will not only have the appropriate license, a clean driving record, and a sharp-looking outfit, but they will also have completed all of the necessary training. Inquire as to whether or not they have successfully completed a course in defensive driving. There are other aspects that need to be taken into account. For instance, if you hire a limousine for a wedding, do you need to worry about the chauffeur knowing how to assist the bride in entering and exiting the car without wrinkling her dress if she has a train that is 13 feet long?
5. Bonded Employment Status: My Fifth and Final Thought
A bonded employee of the limousine business is indicative of a respected, permanent, and professional part of the team; thus, a good chauffeur will be an employee of the limousine company. This is not the place for novices, charlatans, or independent contractors.
6. Punctuality,
There should never be an exception to the rule that a chauffeur should arrive at the pickup place 15–20 minutes early. A good chauffeur will map out all of the routes ahead of time, taking into consideration any road or weather-related delays and arranging alternative routes just in case they are needed. This will guarantee that the desired outcome is achieved. The most stylish limousine in the world is of little use if the chauffeur is going to be late. This is particularly true if the late arrival is going to disrupt an important event, such as a wedding, a surprise party, a business conference, or another significant event.
7. Thought #7: Careful Attendance to One's Personal Hygiene
As members of your family, friends, and professional network, as well as clients and prospects, enter and exit the car, your chauffeur will maintain constant touch with those individuals. It is expected that a chauffeur would have carefully manicured fingernails, well combed hair, and sparkling white teeth.
8. Keep Your Cool Under Pressure is Thought #8: The Capacity to Do So
Every day brings a new set of challenges for a driver, whether it is unexpected gridlock on the highway, tense CEOs, or anxious brides (and their parents). If the driver is working on prom night or for a bachelor or bachelorette party, the passengers are going to be thrilled and chatting loudly over one other (and probably intoxicated as well). A strong nerve center and the capacity to remain composed under pressure are essential qualities in a good chauffeur. Inquire with your limo business about how its drivers have performed in high-pressure situations, and check to see if there are any assessment papers on file or available online that pertain to individual chauffeurs.
9. Thought number 9: Exercise of Discretion
A chauffeur is exposed to a wide variety of situations in both the private and professional life of their passengers, and the privacy screen may not always be completely lifted in all of those instances. An outstanding chauffeur always maintains discretion, etiquette, and secrecy in all situations.
10. Contemplation No. 10: Personal Experience Within The Region
Although global positioning systems (GPS) are readily accessible today, nothing can take the place of having a strong innate sense of direction. Your chauffeur need to have first-hand familiarity with the region through which you will be traveling, as well as an up-to-date awareness of any significant road construction projects or other events that could have an effect on your trip. You are paying a premium for a limousine service, and as such, you should anticipate being able to relax and take pleasure in the journey rather than giving instructions from the rear seat of the vehicle.
11. Concept No. 11: Interpersonal Abilities
It's important that a chauffeur enjoys socializing with passengers and giving them the best possible experience as a client. A good chauffeur should be friendly, courteous, and aware of when to engage passengers in conversation and when to give them space to enjoy their trip in silence.
12th Thought: Being Thoughtful and Paying Attention to the Little Things
A good chauffeur should be able to foresee the requirements of their clients and arrange appropriately. For instance, a careful driver would ensure that there are tissues, shoe-shine rags, and umbrellas available in the event that the passengers need them. In addition, a chauffeur is responsible for ensuring that the climate control systems are constantly in excellent working condition. This ensures that passengers are never uncomfortable due to extremes in temperature while they are riding in the car.