Working as a professional driver is a very common and sought-after occupation in New York City and the surrounding area. From the people who drive our buses and taxis to those who operate construction machinery and conduct waste removal, professional driving requires a skillset that extends beyond simply knowing the rules of the road. Being a private or corporate chauffeur is no different in this respect. The good news is that although you may need some training, you’ll be in high demand – in fact, chauffeured transportation is a $2.4 Billion industry.
Corporate and Private Chauffeur Skills
Above-average driving abilities are a must as a professional driver. This is true whether you’re working as a corporate chauffeur for a business or as a private chauffeur for a particular individual or family. Common driving qualifications may include evasive and defensive driving courses that go beyond what is taught in standard driving courses.
Additionally, you may need training on how to drive in the presence of significantly bad weather, or when an automobile has undergone some sort of mechanical malfunction. After all, unlike driving on a personal basis, as a corporate chauffeur there will be moments when you can’t just “pull over and wait for the storm to pass.” Training will ensure that this is an eventuality you’re prepared for.
Etiquette Expectations
As a corporate or private chauffeur, there’s often an expectation that you’re well-dressed and well-kept when on the job. A common uniform may consist of a dark suit or tuxedo while working and you may also be expected to don leather driving gloves or a hat while on the job. On the whole, prepare to stay well groomed.
Being a personal driver involves quite a bit of time behind the wheel, but it may also require a considerable amount of waiting patiently. If you serve as a private chauffeur, prepare to spend time holding a parking space while your client shops or dines. If you work as a corporate chauffeur, you may spend quite a bit of time waiting in traffic while driving clients to work or the airport, and you may make this route very often.
Working Through a Corporate Hospitality Agency
Although there are challenges that accompany working as a professional driver, personal driving jobs have their pluses – they may offer an opportunity to drive high-quality automobiles while making a generous wage. As a corporate hospitality agency, Household Staffing International has experience providing professional drivers to corporate entities, but we help private households to hire drivers as well. If you’re looking to embark on a career as a chauffeur, contact Household Staffing International today for more details!