Embarking on a career as a chauffeur offers the opportunity to navigate the roads in style while providing a luxury service. In the United States, the process of obtaining a chauffeur license varies by state but typically involves additional steps beyond acquiring a standard driver's license. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, as of May 2020, there were approximately 231,210 taxi drivers and chauffeurs in the U.S., highlighting the demand for professional drivers. To become a licensed chauffeur, candidates must often pass specialized tests, including written exams and road safety assessments. For instance, in New York, applicants must complete a defensive driving course and pass a written exam specific to chauffeur regulations.
Understanding how to get a chauffeur license is crucial for those aspiring to join the ranks of these professional drivers, ensuring they meet the necessary legal and skill requirements to provide exceptional service.
The actual requirements for a chauffeur license depend on a number of factors, including the region one wishes to operate in, the type of vehicle one wishes to drive, and the amount of passengers one wishes to carry. Additionally, many limousine companies may require training far above and beyond what is technically required for the chauffeur license itself. This is to ensure a particularly high level of service, which tends to be expected from a chauffeur.
In the state of California, for example, the type of chauffeur license needed depends on how many people can be transported in a vehicle. For those who are planning on driving less than ten people at a given time, all a person needs is a Class C license, the normal automobile license, which functions as a chauffeur license. For anything more than ten people, a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) is required, which has its own test, and its own restrictions. For example, to be able to chauffeur people across state lines, you’ll have to be at least 21, and you’ll have to pass a Passenger endorsement as well.
In the state of New York, on the other hand, a chauffeur license is a Class E license, which is a taxi and livery license. In the city of New York additional restrictions apply, including a requirement of a defensive driving course, fingerprinting, a drug test, and no more than seven points on your license in the prior year and a half. The basic Class E license is good for any vehicle carrying less than 14 people, making it suitable for virtually all chauffeurs.
In addition to state restrictions, and some local municipalities like New York City, most companies desire an additional level of training. Although not technically part of the chauffeur license, which usually falls under some other commercial class, these courses are so required to be employed that they may as well be part of the license. Most reputable limousine services demand a high level of skill and knowledge from their employees, and there are schools set up specifically to train chauffeurs.
Classes include things like defensive driving and specialized avoidance courses, teaching drivers how to handle the often unwieldy vehicles driven as a chauffeur in dangerous situations like skids or oncoming traffic. These classes may also include things like proper etiquette and attire, as a chauffeur is generally expected to have a high level of formal dress, and to be able to interact properly with their clientele. Although becoming proficient enough to get a job at a good company as a chauffeur can be difficult, the payoff can be great, with the average salary for a senior chauffeur around $50,000 US Dollars (USD).
What Is a Chauffeur License?
A chauffeur license is a type of certification that shows you are legally allowed to operate particular kinds of vehicles. Why isn't a regular driver's license enough? Some vehicles are more challenging to maneuver than a standard car and may even have additional regulations governing their use. Additionally, many states require a chauffeur license to operate certain vehicles, and many insurance companies refuse to cover transportation companies that don't comply.
Special License
Many states classify a chauffeur license as a Special License, the scope of which goes above and beyond the basic knowledge you need for a regular driver's license. The exact Class depends on the state.
Commercial Driver's License
A CDL is a common requirement for transportation companies, but it's not the same as a Special License. While each state tracks Special Licenses, CDLs are recorded on a federal level. Additionally, CDLs are issued by states but are subject to both state and federal regulations. Drivers can only hold a CDL with one state at a time.
So, when is a CDL necessary? You need this type of certification to drive a commercial motor vehicle weighing more than 26,001 pounds.
What Is a Chauffeur?
A chauffeur is a person who gets paid to transport other people in vehicles. Some chauffeurs work for a company and drive many different people and cars. Others are private chauffeurs who work for one person. Private chauffeurs may have additional responsibilities depending on their contracts.
What Is the Difference Between a Chauffeur vs Driver?
Chauffeurs are a type of driver, but not all drivers are chauffeurs. One significant difference is the level of customer service required by the role.
In many cases, chauffeurs aren't just expected to operate a vehicle -- they're also responsible for ensuring their passengers have a pleasant experience. In fact, their role is closer to that of a butler than a driver.
Employment
Perhaps the biggest difference between a driver and a chauffeur is employment. Chauffeurs are specifically paid either by a company or directly by clients for their transportation services. Drivers may or may not be employed for their driving -- and most drivers aren't.
Passengers
Chauffeurs specifically transport passengers, sometimes dozens at once. Drivers, on the other hand, don't necessarily have other people in the car. For example, commercial drivers transport goods in semi-trucks and are paid to do so, but they don't have passengers. In some cases, they're expressly forbidden to have other people in the cab.
Training
Finally, chauffeurs are given specific training for their roles:
- City geography
- Car etiquette
- Security awareness
- Driving etiquette
- Knowledge of landmarks, hotels and other locations
This training equips chauffeurs for the more butler-like aspects of the job. For example, clients may expect their chauffeur to be able to recommend a good restaurant for fine dining.
Other professional drivers may receive additional training, but it doesn't cover the same subjects. For example, individuals who pursue their CDLs must be able to name the parts of their semi-trucks and make visual inspections of the engine.
What Kinds of Job Can You Get With a Chauffeur License?
Once you get your chauffeur license, what kind of jobs can you apply for? There are plenty of career paths, and some can be pretty lucrative. For example, many chauffeurs earn tips for essentially hosting in-vehicle parties or transporting guests to big celebrations.
What if you don't want to work for a big company? Getting your chauffeurs license can help you go independent. Plenty of chauffeurs work as contractors, which means they get to make their hours.
Limousine Driver
When people picture a chauffeur, they probably think of a limousine driver. Limousines are a status symbol and evoke luxury and elegance. Limousine drivers are usually dressed to reinforce this image.
Many transportation companies offer limousines for a variety of purposes:
- Transportation to the airport
- Transportation to important events such as weddings and business conventions
- Parties contained within the vehicle
Transportation Company Owner
If you're an entrepreneur, you can start your own transportation company. You can work as an independent contractor and take work on your terms, or you can hire drivers to use your vehicles.
Tour Bus Driver
Many famous landmarks and big cities are home to tour companies. People can pay for a guide to take them around the area to significant locations. Tour bus drivers fulfill this role and, in some cases, also act as tour guides. If you decide to become a tour bus driver, you'll drive the same route multiple times a day and be expected to keep a strict schedule.
School Bus Driver
School bus drivers take kids to and from school daily. They also drive buses for field trips and transport school teams for sports events.
