Chauffeur etiquette and why does it matter

Part of the appeal of chauffeur-driven transport is its professional and luxurious image. It’s the chauffeur’s responsibility to uphold this image of refined sophistication. Aside from ensuring that their vehicle is spotless, chauffeurs must also master the art of chauffeur etiquette.

Chauffeur etiquette goes beyond opening and closing the car door for clients. Chauffeurs must adopt a respectful, polite, formal, and sophisticated demeanour.

In this article, we’ll explore what chauffeur etiquette means and why it is such an important aspect of a chauffeur’s role.

What is meant by chauffeur etiquette?

Etiquette is defined as “the customary code of polite behaviour in society or among members of a particular profession or group.”

Chauffeurs have always been known for adhering to strict etiquette. Chauffeur etiquette has been strictly policed since the book “Chauffeur’s Blue Book” became widely used in 1906.

The Chauffeur’s Blue Book was a chauffeur etiquette handbook, which is still quoted to this day. The three most oft-quoted rules from the book are:

“Your master’s fun is your work – Don’t forget that although the car is for your employer’s hobby or sport, it is your business, and you are there to make sure he gets the proper enjoyment from it.”

“You may recognise another chauffeur on a passing car and consider it proper to wave your hand and greet at him. This is exceedingly wrong; for a silent nod is all that is permissible.”

“Maintain an attitude of reserve about the car – or mystery if you like – with discreet silence on your part instead of blustering talk.”

While chauffeur etiquette is often associated with the way a chauffeur speaks and behaves, there are more aspects to it than this. Some important aspects of chauffeur etiquette include:

• Professional appearance
• Discretion and privacy
• Punctuality
• Smooth driving
• Vehicle maintenance
• Adaptability
• Communication skills
• Cultural awareness

All of these aspects of chauffeur etiquette help create the premium travel experience expected when being chauffeur-driven.

Why is good chauffeur etiquette important?

Upholding excellent chauffeur etiquette helps differentiate the services that chauffeurs offer from those offered by other private drivers, including taxis and Uber drivers.

Maintaining high levels of etiquette helps to make the client’s journey more comfortable and enjoyable, improves client satisfaction, helps to win repeat business, and establishes long-term client relationships.

What are the qualities of a good chauffeur?

The best chauffeurs possess a range of skills and qualities that help them provide exceptional service and forge successful careers in the industry.

Qualities of a good chauffeur include being personable, respectful, discreet, relaxed, polite and courteous. Experienced and successful chauffeurs learn to read their passenger’s mood and respond accordingly, knowing when to speak and when to stay quiet. The best chauffeurs have a professional, polished appearance and attire but remain subtly and unobtrusively in the background.

Five essential qualities of a great chauffeur

When you think of a chauffeur, what comes to mind? For most people, they envisage a particular type of person. Someone dressed very smartly, with a professional demeanour. Chauffeurs have a refined and sophisticated image, one of luxury.

Not anyone can become a successful chauffeur; it takes a certain type of individual with a specific set of qualities.

In this article, we will explore what makes a good chauffeur, revealing five essential qualities of a good chauffeur.

What makes a good chauffeur?

Chauffeurs are expected to look and act in a certain way. Chauffeur etiquette has been around for many years and has withstood the test of time. If people pay good money for a premium private driver service, they have high expectations. They expect doors to be opened for them, their bags to be taken care of, and to be treated with the highest level of professionalism and respect.

While training to be a chauffeur or learning from experience is possible, certain personal qualities make some people more suited to the role than others.

Let’s find out the top five qualities of a good chauffeur.

1. Discrete – Many chauffeurs regularly transport high-profile clients and VIPs. They may be privy to highly sensitive or private conversations during the journey, so they must maintain their clients’ confidentiality and privacy.
2. Hospitable – A good chauffeur should make an effort to ensure clients feel welcome and at ease in their presence. They should be attentive to their client’s needs to ensure an enjoyable experience.
3. Punctual – Many clients use chauffeur services when they need to travel to important meetings or events and need to have confidence that transport will run smoothly on the day. This means punctuality is a non-negotiable trait in this line of work.
4. Groomed appearance – Clients often use chauffeur services when they need to arrive in style and make a good impression, so appearance is key. Chauffeurs should be well-groomed, meticulously presented, and have a professional manner at all times.
5. Effective communicator – To provide the high standard of customer service expected from a chauffeur-driven journey, chauffeurs must possess excellent communication skills. They must be able to listen attentively and communicate clearly to ensure that the client’s needs are understood and met. They should also be able to engage in polite conversation, read the mood, and know when to speak and when it’s more appropriate to stay quiet. These are the qualities that distinguish a luxury chauffeur from a good driver. Individuals who embody all of the qualities listed above are a good fit for a career in chauffeuring and find it easy to provide the high level of professionalism and service expected from a premium driver service.