-Brief Business Travel Insights

31 Oct 2023

Article

Service in style: Benefits of hiring a chauffeur

Contrary to popular belief, chauffeur services aren’t solely for celebrities.

They cater to a wide and varied clientele, meaning more people than you realise benefiting from using them.

This article explains exactly what a chauffeur is, what they do, who typically uses their services and the advantages of doing so.

What is the definition of a chauffeur?

So, what is a chauffeur?

A chauffeur is a person with professional training to drive a private or commercial luxury car for paying customers.

And what is chauffeuring? Chauffeuring is simply the act of a person (usually a chauffeur) driving a vehicle for someone else as a paid job. Chauffeurs specialise in luxury transportation, and the demands of their role go far beyond that of your average taxi driver.

They provide transportation with finesse, and are often used by distinguished clientele, including VIPs.

Chauffeurs are usually experienced drivers. They are impeccably presented in formal attire and are trained to be punctual, polite, courteous, and discrete. Their comprehensive preparation includes advanced driving skills, car etiquette, customer safety, security awareness, and knowledge of the local area.

The scope of a chauffeur’s duties extends beyond driving.

They perform various additional functions, including meet and greet, luggage assistance, and security services. They may also provide specialist services, including chauffeuring for business meetings, corporate events, diplomatic services, as-directed hire, and financial roadshows.

When you hire a chauffeur, you can expect a luxury vehicle where comfort and safety are a priority.

Who needs a chauffeur?

Chauffeur services can be used by anyone who needs stylish and professional transportation from point A to B.

While VIPs use these services, most chauffeur clients are ordinary people who value comfort, punctuality, professionalism, and security when travelling.

Let’s look at the diverse range of people to whom chauffeur services like Driven Worldwide often cater.

Special occasion guests – Need to travel to a special occasion in style? Whether you’re getting hitched or attending a funeral, christening, or any other event or party, hiring a chauffeur takes the stress out of travel arrangements and ensures you arrive in style and feeling relaxed.

Tourists – Arranging transport and transfers when abroad can be daunting, especially if you’re travelling alone or don’t speak the local language. Using a chauffeur service makes travelling in another country simple and stress-free, so you can sit back and enjoy the adventure.

Business professionals – This one’s a biggy. Business travellers are probably the most significant clientele for chauffeur services. There are numerous reasons why people may need to travel for business, including business meetings, conferences and events, and financial roadshows. Using chauffeur services helps business travellers arrive punctually, convey a professional image, and travel comfortably, perhaps even making business calls or catching up on emails during the journey.

VIPs – High-profile figures like diplomats, politicians, government officials, royalty, and celebrities all value the punctuality, professionalism, and heightened security of chauffeur services.

Individuals with mobility problems – Individuals with mobility limitations, including some older adults, appreciate the extra assistance chauffeurs provide. From carrying luggage to aiding with vehicle entry and exit, the presence of a chauffeur can provide an element of reassurance. They may use a chauffeur in their daily lives to help them get to medical appointments punctually or run everyday errands.

Top 10 reasons to hire a chauffeur

Whether you’re travelling for business or pleasure, hiring a chauffeur service could help ensure your journey runs smoothly.

Here are our top 10 reasons to consider using a chauffeur service for your next trip.

Punctual – When punctuality is a priority, you can rest assured that a chauffeur will get you to your destination promptly. Chauffeurs have extensive knowledge of the areas they work in, including traffic patterns and the fastest routes, enabling them to navigate swiftly and avoid delays. Never again will you need to worry about being late due to unreliable transportation.

Secure – Chauffeur services prioritise your safety. Chauffeurs are trained to handle all kinds of driving situations, and many are trained in advanced driving techniques, including defensive driving, to ensure the safety of their passengers. Additionally, vehicles are regularly serviced and maintained to the highest standards. You could consider hiring a high-security chauffeur if security is a key concern. High-security chauffeurs are highly trained to provide safe and secure transportation, even in high-risk locations or circumstances.

Stylish – No matter the event, arriving in style is a breeze when you travel with a chauffeur service. With their immaculately presented modern vehicles and professional and courteous drivers, you’ll always look the part when you hire a chauffeur to transport you.

Consistent – When you hire a taxi, you can never be too sure what kind of service or driver you will receive. However, all chauffeurs are highly trained and professional drivers, so you can rest assured that you will receive a reliable and consistent standard of service, whether you require a short transfer or are going on a long trip.

Comfortable – Chauffeurs drive new, state-of-the-art vehicles that prioritise passenger comfort. The vehicles are spacious, quiet, and clean, allowing you to sit back, relax, and enjoy the ride.

Reliable – Chauffeurs are dependable; their professionalism, experience, and knowledge of the local area mean they know the best routes to avoid traffic to arrive at their destination punctually. This reliability takes the stress out of travel.

Assistance – Chauffeur services go above and beyond driving. They help with luggage, provide local recommendations, offer accessibility assistance, and can adapt your journey as your plan unfolds. This extra assistance helps to make travel easy, convenient, and stress-free.

Time-saving – When you travel with a chauffeur service, you can use your travel time more productively. Rather than focusing on driving, or journey details, you can catch up on emails, make important calls, or enjoy some downtime.

Flexible – Chauffeur services are incredibly flexible. Need to make last-minute changes to your journey, make multiple stops, or have a complex itinerary? No problem. All of your journey’s details are handled with professionalism and efficiency. The flexibility of a chauffeur service ensures that your unique travel needs are always met.

Cost-effective – Contrary to popular belief, chauffeur services are not as expensive as they seem. Considering the level of service, comfort, and convenience they offer, they provide excellent value for money.

Driven Worldwide’s chauffeur services

If you’re looking for a chauffeur service in a class of its own, look no further than Driven Worldwide. We combine global coverage with industry-leading technology and impeccable service standards. Let’s look at the key reasons why so many people worldwide choose our chauffeur services.

Global coverage – We operate in more than 1,500 locations globally. Our dedicated global operations team is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, ensuring we’re always there when you need us. Every booking comes with a personal account manager, offering a single point of contact for your convenience.

Executive-level vehicles – We take pride in our fleet of comfortable, executive-level vehicles that are always impeccably maintained. We don’t use vehicles older than three years, ensuring your journey is always smooth and luxurious.

Professional and experienced drivers – We value professionalism and excellence, and our drivers reflect our ethos. Always well-presented, courteous, and highly experienced, our chauffeurs also possess extensive local knowledge, including parking, traffic conditions, and local services and attractions. Our chauffeurs are always willing to go the extra mile to ensure your journey goes smoothly.

Advanced communication technology – We use advanced technology to make it simple and convenient for our clients to communicate with our team. These include an online portal, booking app, tracking app, and our ChaffeurCall system. Our industry-leading ChaffeurCall system is designed to ensure a seamless and enhanced communication experience. With ChauffeurCall, you will never be redirected to voicemail. Instead, if your chauffeur cannot answer your call, you will be transferred to your local Driven Worldwide office, where a member of our team will assist you with information or handle your query. We also give our clients their chauffeur details at least 48 hours before the journey.

The global specialist roadshow provider – We are proud to be global specialists in roadshow services, setting exceptional standards in a unique niche. We cater to various types of global roadshows, including deal, non-deal, analyst, fixed income, investor, and field trip roadshows. Our network spans 1,200 locations across the globe, ensuring we can meet your needs wherever you might be. We collaborate with a trusted network of global affiliates to double-check and ensure the highest quality for every aspect of your booking. We successfully deliver over 12,000 roadshows each year and manage over 30,000 reservations.

Want to learn more about our chauffeur services or request a free quote on a journey? Book a car or request a quote on our website today.

-Brief Business Travel Insights

20 Oct 2023

Article

Do private drivers need to have a DBS check?

Private drivers and chauffeurs are responsible for transporting a wide variety of different passengers, including children and vulnerable adults.

This puts private hire drivers in a position of trust, making it more important than ever that they are properly vetted and found suitable for the role.

To ensure public safety, strict regulations govern the licensing of private hire drivers. Among these protective measures is the requirement for all individuals applying to become a private hire driver to have an enhanced DBS check.

In this article, we will learn more about DBS checks for private hire drivers, whether they’re mandatory, and their important role in the private hire sector.

What is a DBS check?

In the UK, it is common for employers to carry out background checks on individuals before employing them. One common type of background check is the DBS check.

DBS stands for Disclosure and Barring Service. The DBS conducts DBS checks to check whether an individual has any convictions, cautions, reprimands, or warnings on their criminal record.

Carrying out a DBS check is particularly important when employing a person to work in a role with children or vulnerable adults.

There are three different levels of DBS check:

Basic DBS check – Only returns details of any unspent convictions.

Standard DBS check – Returns details of both spent and unspent convictions, warnings, cautions, and reprimands.

Enhanced DBS check – Reveals the same details as the standard DBS check plus any relevant police notes stored on file. An enhanced DBS check can also check if the person appears on the list of people permanently barred from working with children or vulnerable adults.

A DBS check’s results can help employers make informed and safe recruitment decisions.

Are DBS checks for private drivers a legal requirement?

In the UK, the Department for Transport’s statutory guidance states that all taxi and private hire drivers must have an enhanced DBS check.

You cannot legally work as a private hire or taxi driver without obtaining the relevant licence from your local authority. These licensing authorities cannot issue a licence to individuals who do not have an enhanced DBS certificate.

Why are DBS checks important for private drivers and chauffeurs?

The primary reason why it is so important for private drivers and chauffeurs to complete an enhanced DBS check is public safety.

Private hire drivers are responsible for safely transporting people from point A to B. They transport different passenger types, including potentially vulnerable individuals like children, older adults, and people with disabilities. The close and unsupervised nature of private driving and chauffeuring puts drivers in a position of trust. Passengers put their trust in the integrity and professionalism of these drivers, and the requirement for private drivers to undergo an enhanced DBS check ensures that the driver has no criminal convictions and helps to mitigate risk.

A DBS for private hire driver also reassures customers and the general public that drivers have been vetted and deemed appropriate for the role. This helps to build trust and protect the private hire company’s reputation.

How often do private drivers require a DBS check?

Government guidance was recently updated to make it mandatory for private drivers and chauffeurs to sign up for the DBS Update Service. This online subscription service helps keep enhanced DBS certificates up-to-date and allows employers to check your certificate online, with your consent. Signing up for the DBS Update Service costs just £13 per year.

Driven Worldwide DBs private hire driver

Here at Driven Worldwide, all of our chauffeurs and DBS private hire drivers are meticulously vetted and DBS-checked to give you peace of mind that you are in the hands of a trusted professional.

Whether you require a private driver for a roadshow, managed project, client services, conference or event, we’ve got you covered.

Operating in over 1,500 locations globally, our private hire and chauffeur services are trusted by some of the largest companies in the world.

Contact our team today to get a quote on a journey or book a car.

-Brief Business Travel Insights

27 Sep 2023

Article

Which are the best cars to be chauffeured in?

When investing in a chauffeur service, your expectations are naturally high. After all, chauffeur services are about more than getting from point A to B; they’re about travelling in comfort and style.

In this article, we will explore the features that make a car suitable for high-quality chauffeur services and name our top ten best cars for chauffeur services.

What are the best cars for chauffeur service?

What springs to mind when you think of a chauffeur-driven car? For most people, the top two considerations are comfort and style.

Comfort When it comes to comfort, all eyes are on the car’s interior. Plush, spacious seats, climate control, and a quiet engine all contribute to a relaxing, comfortable, and luxurious ride. Additional amenities such as bottled water, Wi-Fi, and newspapers can also enhance the experience, turning a simple journey into a more pleasurable experience.

Style While the car’s interior contributes to your personal comfort, its exterior and overall aesthetics also impact the impression you make. Whether you’re travelling to a business event or a social gathering, most people using chauffeur services want to make a good impression when they arrive at their destination.

The best car for your requirements There is no one-size to fit all when it comes to chauffeur services. The “best” car to be chauffeured in largely depends on the passenger’s requirements. Those in the corporate world usually require a chic, executive, business-class car that exudes professionalism. When security is a priority, a specialist high-security vehicle equipped with enhanced safety features is a more suitable option. For grand events like proms, weddings, and other special occasions, a flashy car like a limousine may be the perfect way to make a grand entrance and attract attention.

Top 10 best cars to be chauffeured in

Below, we’ve listed the top ten best cars to be chauffeured in.

Rolls-Royce Phantom – If you really want to make an entrance, then the Rolls-Royce Phantom is the most formidable car on our list. Costing more than the average house for sale in the UK, the Rolls-Royce Phantom oozes luxury both inside and out.
Mercedes-Benz S-Class – If you’re looking for something a little less showy, then the Mercedes-Benz S-Class is suave without being ostentatious. The S-Class features state-of-the-art technology and a sumptuous interior designed for maximum comfort.
Bentley Bentayga – The Bentley Bentayga is said to be the fastest SUV in the world! The Bentayga is an SUV that is sure to turn heads, offering powerful performance, a luxurious interior, and all-round versatility.
Bentley Flying Spur – The Bentley Flying Spur is a handsome, high-performance limo capable of reaching up to 198mph. Inside, it features luxurious genuine leather upholstery and a rear entertainment system, allowing passengers to relax and enjoy some downtime during long journeys.
BMW i7 – For those looking for a greener option without sacrificing luxury, the BMW i7 electric sedan offers impressive cinema-like rear entertainment and a smooth, quiet ride, setting a new standard for luxury electric vehicles.
BMW X7 – If size matters for your journey, then the BMW X7 could be the perfect chauffeur car for you. This enormous 7-seat SUV oozes business-class style and luxury, all while maintaining practicality for a diverse range of needs.
Land Rover Defender – The Land Rover Defender is an iconic, large SUV with unstoppable off-road capabilities and a strikingly rugged exterior. The Defender can tackle any conditions and terrain with ease, and passengers can relax in style in its spacious, modern, and comfortable interior.
Genesis G80 – The Genesis G80 is a midsize sports sedan with an elegant exterior and plush nappa leather interior. The G80 features advanced safety features and a luxurious cabin, perfect for kicking back and enjoying the ride.
Porsche Panamera – Known for its streamlined and sporty exterior, the Porsche Panamera also boasts a luxuriously comfortable interior, making it the ideal choice for those who want a dash of excitement and thrill in their chauffeured journey.
Audi A8 – The Audi A8 strikes a perfect balance between luxury and practicality. The A8 is sleek without being too showy and is packed with intuitive, cutting-edge technology for an enjoyable ride.

Hire a chauffeur with Driven Worldwide

At Driven Worldwide, we offer professional chauffeur services in over 1,500 locations around the world.

Contact our team today to get a quote on a journey or book a car.

-Brief Business Travel Insights

09 Sep 2023

Article

Duties and responsibilities of a chauffeur

Looking for a premium travel service but unsure if hiring a chauffeur is the right option for you?

In this article, we will explain more about the services that chauffeurs provide, exploring chauffeur responsibilities and finding out ‘what are the duties of a chauffeur?’

What do chauffeurs do day to day?

Chauffeurs provide highly tailored travel services, meaning that what they do can vary from one day to the next, depending on the requirements of their clients. Generally, chauffeurs carry out the following tasks daily: • Drive passengers to and from their destination. • Meet and greet passengers. • Assist passengers with entering and exiting the vehicle. • Lift, carry, and manage passenger luggage. • Clean and maintain their vehicle. • Route planning. • Provide local insight and recommendations. • Carry out errands for clients. • Manage travel itineraries.

What are the responsibilities of a chauffeur?

So, now we understand what chauffeurs do daily, but what are their overarching responsibilities? A chauffeur should fulfil the following responsibilities:

• Keep passengers safe – Above all, chauffeurs should always adhere strictly to road and traffic laws and safety protocols to keep their passengers safe.

• Act with professionalism and discretion – Chauffeurs are responsible for always retaining a professional image and ensuring their passengers feel relaxed and comfortable. As such, they should maintain professional discretion at all times.

• Ensure client satisfaction – Chauffeur-driven travel is a premium, luxury transportation service, so chauffeurs should go above and beyond to ensure that passengers are satisfied with their service.

• Maintain a meticulous appearance – The chauffeur represents the image of the company they work for, so they are responsible for maintaining meticulous personal grooming and stylish, professional attire.

• Be punctual – When working as a chauffeur, punctuality is more than a courtesy; it’s a requirement. Chauffeurs must manage their routes and schedules carefully to avoid any delays or inconveniences to the client.

• Resolve conflict – Should any issues arise, chauffeurs should resolve them diplomatically, professionally, and with courtesy.

Do chauffeurs open the door?

A chauffeur’s duties include meeting and greeting clients and assisting them to enter and exit the vehicle. This means that, as standard, chauffeurs are expected to open and close the vehicle doors for their passengers as part of the luxurious and personalised travel service they offer.

This seemingly small gesture can significantly enhance the passenger’s experience, imparting a sense of attentive care and sophistication. It also helps passengers to project professionalism and style, helping them to make a lasting impression when they arrive at their destination.

Here at Driven Worldwide, our wide range of professional chauffeur services is trusted by some of the largest companies in the world. We offer personal chauffeur services, managed projects, roadshows, high-security travel, and more in over 1500 locations worldwide. Ready to Book a car or get a quote for reliable chauffeur travel? Contact our team, and we’ll tailor a personal chauffeur service to meet your needs.

-Brief Business Travel Insights

18 Aug 2023

Article

Reasons to consider a personal chauffeur

When punctuality is non-negotiable and making a good impression matters, hiring a personal chauffeur can help your journey run smoothly.

Personal chauffeurs offer an unparalleled level of service, going the extra mile to ensure that you arrive on time and in style every time.

In this article, we’ll explain what exactly a personal chauffeur is and the reasons to consider hiring one for your next journey.

What is a personal chauffeur?

So, what is a personal chauffeur? A personal chauffeur is a professional driver who can be hired to provide luxury transport services.

Chauffeurs transport their passengers in private luxury vehicles. However, the biggest difference between personal chauffeurs and other transport options like taxis is the additional services that chauffeurs provide. A chauffeur will go above and beyond to ensure your journey is comfortable, hassle-free, and luxurious.

What makes a personal chauffeur stand out?

Personal chauffeurs offer premium travel experiences. It’s not all about getting from one location to another; the journey is just as important. Chauffeur services stand out because they offer personalised, convenient, and luxurious travel. Let’s find out more about the benefits of hiring a personal chauffeur.

Image is everything

Travelling with a personal chauffeur can help you to make a statement. Chauffeur-driven travel has an image of luxury and style and helps passengers make a good impression wherever they go. Personal chauffeurs always pride themselves in looking the part and dress in professional, elegant clothing to reflect the premium nature of their service.

Customer service

A chauffeur transcends the role of a professional driver by offering unmatched customer service. They bring discretion, professionalism, and courtesy to every interaction. Whether opening the vehicle door for you, managing your luggage, or offering local recommendations, a chauffeur adds value far beyond transporting you from one place to another.

Above and beyond

Chauffeurs provide highly personalised travel experiences. Beyond their core responsibilities, chauffeurs will also go above and beyond if required to manage your travel logistics and ensure everything runs smoothly. From planning intricate routes to managing multi-stop itineraries or even running errands for you, a chauffeur can provide invaluable peace of mind that a professional is handling the details of your travel.

Handle specialised travel requirements

Personal chauffeurs offer various versatile, specialist services, including organising travel for business roadshows, planning a sightseeing tour, and even high-security transport. No matter your travel needs, a chauffeur can handle the most complex travel requirements with finesse.

Luxury vehicles

When it comes to the vehicles themselves, chauffeur-driven cars are usually the epitome of modern luxury. Rarely older than three years, chauffeur-driven cars are reliable and equipped with state-of-the-art technology. This ensures that your journey is not only safe and efficient but also offers an unparalleled level of comfort.

How to hire a personal chauffeur

Before you begin searching for a personal chauffeur service, you should ask yourself some questions to pinpoint your exact needs.

Are you seeking a chauffeur for corporate or personal reasons? Is this a one-off, or will you require the services regularly? Do you require heightened security measures? Who will be travelling? What kind of car do you require? Where will you be travelling from and to?

Once you’ve figured out what you’re looking for and how much you can budget for the journey, you can begin searching for a chauffeur service that ticks all the boxes.

When vetting potential services, it’s prudent to opt for a reputable, well-established company or one highly recommended by a trusted acquaintance. This ensures not only the quality of the service but also peace of mind for you as the client.

Here at Driven Worldwide, our personal chauffeur services are trusted by some of the largest companies in the world. We offer a wide array of professional, specialist personal chauffeur services in over 1500 locations worldwide. Ready to book a car or get a quote for reliable chauffeur travel? Contact our team, and we’ll tailor a personal chauffeur service to meet your needs.

-Brief Business Travel Insights

24 Jul 2023

Article

Is a Rolls-Royce a chauffeur-driven car?

There is nothing quite like a Rolls-Royce. A favourite with the royal family, Rolls-Royces are large, striking, and powerful vehicles that stand out and make a statement on the road.

Despite their size, Rolls-Royces have an undeniable elegance as they glide along the road, providing an unbeatably smooth and comfortable ride.

There’s something of a thrill to be had from riding in a Rolls Royce, whether you’re the driver or passenger. It’s a car that will turn heads and demand respect on the road.

In this article, we’ll learn more about who drives Rolls-Royces and how much it costs to hire a Rolls-Royce chauffeur.

Is Rolls-Royce a chauffeur-driven car?

Rolls-Royces are often associated with being chauffeur-driven cars because of their rarity and status as luxury vehicles.

Rolls-Royces are renowned for being opulent vehicles, making them a popular choice for those who prefer to be driven than drive themselves. Their extravagant style also makes them a popular choice for those looking for transportation to formal or special events. The brand is synonymous with prestige, so Rolls-Royces are often driven by chauffeurs transporting VIPs, executives, and celebrities.

However, it’s important to note that it is not only chauffeurs who drive Rolls-Royces. Many are also owned and driven by individuals who appreciate luxury and the superior driving experience the brand offers.

How much is a Rolls-Royce chauffeur?

If you’d like to hire a Rolls-Royce chauffeur, the question on your lips is probably, “How much does a Rolls-Royce chauffeur cost?”

Unfortunately, the answer isn’t black and white. The cost of hiring a Rolls-Royce chauffeur can vary widely depending on several factors; let’s take a look at what those factors are.

Location – The area where you require a chauffeur can significantly affect the cost. Major cities like London often have higher rates compared to smaller towns.
Model of Rolls-Royce – Different models of Rolls-Royce come with different price tags. For example, newer or more luxurious models like the Phantom or the Ghost are usually more expensive than older or less exclusive models.
Duration of hire – If you require a chauffeur for a full day, it will cost more than hiring one for a few hours. Some chauffeur companies operate a minimum hire period, particularly for premium vehicles like the Rolls-Royce.
Level of service – If you simply require transporting from point A to point B, it will cost less than if you require help managing a complex itinerary or need high-security transport.
Service provider – Different chauffeur companies have different pricing structures.

Typically, for a high-end luxury vehicle like a Rolls-Royce, you should expect to pay around £800 to £1,500 to hire a Rolls-Royce chauffeur for a full day.

To find out how much it would cost to hire a Rolls-Royce chauffeur from Driven Worldwide, get a bespoke quote or book a car online.

At Driven Worldwide, our chauffeurs operate in over 1500 locations worldwide and are trusted by some of the world’s largest and most demanding businesses.

-Brief Business Travel Insights

05 Jul 2023

Article

Do chauffeurs need a licence in the UK?

It’s important to regulate the private driver industry to protect the safety and welfare of passengers and the public.

This article will answer the question, “Does a chauffeur need a licence in the UK?” and explore the benefits of the licencing system.

Do chauffeurs need a licence in the UK?

In the UK, chauffeurs are legally required to hold a private hire licence. However, the specific requirements vary from one local council to another. To obtain a chauffeur licence, individuals must meet certain criteria.

For example, in London, Chauffeurs are required to hold a PCO chauffeur licence. PCO licences are issued by the Public Carriage Office, part of Transport for London (TfL).

The criteria for a PCO chauffeur licence are as follows:

You must be at least 21 years old when you apply.
You must have the right to live and work in the UK.
You must have held a valid driving licence for at least three years.
You must be medically fit and pass a medical examination.
You must be of good character and pass an enhanced criminal record check and DBS.
You must pass a topographical skills assessment.
You must pass a speaking and listening assessment.
You must pass a Safety, Equality, and Regulatory Understanding (SERU) assessment.

Individuals who wish to work as a chauffeur must check the specific requirements for obtaining a licence with the local council where they plan to operate. Non-compliance with local regulations can result in penalties and even legal action.

Do private drivers need a licence?

In the UK, chauffeurs are generally categorised under private hire or taxi services. Licencing requirements apply to all private hire vehicle services.

What are the benefits of having a PCO licence?

The private hire vehicle licencing system benefits drivers, passengers, and the wider public. Let’s find out how:

Comply with laws and regulations – Holding a licence gives private hire drivers, including chauffeurs, the legal authorisation to perform their role. Without this licence, doing so could result in penalties.

Professional credibility – Holding a chauffeur licence UK or equivalent demonstrates that the driver has successfully undergone thorough background checks and assessments.

Work with reputable companies – All reputable companies hiring executive drivers require drivers to hold a PCO licence or equivalent. Obtaining a licence opens doors to exciting employment opportunities.

Customer trust and safety – The licencing system provides peace of mind for customers, who are more likely to feel safe if they know the driver has undergone rigorous checks to obtain a private hire driver’s licence.

Enhanced knowledge and skills – Many local councils require individuals to complete at least one training session to obtain a chauffeur licence UK. These sessions enhance the individual’s knowledge and skills in critical areas like local knowledge, safeguarding, and customer service.

Access to insurance – To get private hire insurance, you will first need a private hire licence. This type of insurance provides comprehensive coverage for both the driver and passengers.

Access to bus lanes – In some areas, licensed private hire vehicles are permitted to use bus lanes, reducing travel time and increasing efficiency.

-Brief Business Travel Insights

30 Jun 2023

Article

Chauffeur vs. Driver: What are the differences?

Whilst a chauffeur is indeed a type of driver, a driver is not necessarily a chauffeur. Confused?

This article explains the main differences between driver and chauffeur services, helping you to make an informed decision about which is right for your needs.

What are the main differences between a driver and a chauffeur?

A professional driver is simply someone who is paid to operate a vehicle. For example, this could be someone driving a taxi or an Uber. However, a chauffeur is a very particular type of driver. Chauffeurs provide luxury transportation, and their services usually go above and beyond those drivers offer.

The main differences between a driver vs chauffeur are as follows:

Experience – Most chauffeur companies only employ chauffeurs with significant driving experience and a clean driving record. Many companies require chauffeurs to complete professional training, particularly if they provide specialist services like high-security travel.

Vehicles – A chauffeur service is all about style and luxury. Chauffeurs drive new, state-of-the-art vehicles that are cleaned and maintained to an immaculate standard. When you travel in a chauffeur-driven car, you can guarantee you will arrive at your destination in comfort and style.

Price – Because chauffeur services go above and beyond what you would expect when being transported by a taxi or Uber driver, they are generally more expensive.

Service – A chauffeur-driven service prioritises customer service above all else. The service goes beyond simply transferring passengers from point A to point B. A chauffeur will help you with your bags, run errands, and manage complex itineraries if required.

Appearance – Chauffeurs are always dressed very smartly in professional business attire. Chauffeurs communicate with clients in a professional, polite, respectful, courteous, and non-intrusive way.

In comparison, a driver’s job is simply to transport passengers from point A to point B, and the level of service you receive can be inconsistent.

How to decide whether you need a driver or a chauffeur

When deciding whether your journey requires the services of a driver or a chauffeur, there are several factors that you should consider. These include:

Purpose of your journey
Level of service required
Budget
Complexity of journey
Distance being travelled
Personal preference

If you’re travelling for a special occasion or business trip and style and comfort is paramount, then a chauffeur service is probably most appropriate. However, if your priority is cost-effective transportation, hiring a driver may suffice.

Chauffeur services from Driven Worldwide

Here at Driven Worldwide, our personal chauffeur services are trusted by some of the largest companies in the world. We offer a wide array of chauffeur services in over 1500 locations worldwide. Ready to book a car or get a quote? Contact our team for bespoke chauffeur services tailored to meet your needs.

-Brief Business Travel Insights

12 Jun 2023

Article

Chauffeur duties while waiting

Chauffeurs provide personal, luxury transportation services. They pride themselves in offering a very high level of service, and this includes always being punctual. If your chauffeur drops you off at an appointment, meeting, or restaurant, they usually stay nearby to ensure they’re ready to pick you up promptly when you finish, no matter how long this may take. As a result, chauffeurs tend to do a lot of waiting around in the car. If you’ve used a chauffeur service before, you may have wondered, “What do chauffeurs do while waiting?”

Whilst chauffeurs do occasionally have time to read the newspaper or browse the internet at their leisure, they primarily use this time to complete important tasks. These responsibilities help them maintain a high standard of service; let’s explore what they are.

** Route planning ** – Time spent waiting for passengers is useful for planning the routes for upcoming journeys. Chauffeurs use their local knowledge and current traffic reports to plan the most time-efficient routes. If delays are expected, they may use this time to adjust the route to ensure a smooth journey.

** Client service and communication ** – Chauffeurs may use waiting time to catch up on emails and phone calls from clients or the company they work for. They will usually have a conversation with the client to discuss journey details, like pickup location and time, and to find out any special requirements. Because chauffeurs provide a premium transportation service, they work hard to go above and beyond, tailoring each journey to the client’s precise needs and preferences.

** Vehicle maintenance ** – A chauffeur-driven car is a premium mode of transport. Passengers expect a relaxing, first-class experience when being driven by a chauffeur. This means chauffeur vehicles must always be maintained to a high standard. Customers will expect the car to be spotless both inside and out. Between journeys, the chauffeur will check the cleanliness of the vehicle, removing any rubbish and cleaning the interior if required.

** Client errands ** – Chauffeurs provide completely bespoke services that occasionally go beyond driving. Sometimes, a client may request that the chauffeur run an errand for them. This could be anything from picking up a loaf of bread to posting a letter or delivering important documents. If there is time, chauffeurs may use the time between drop-offs and pickups to run any errands required.

** Personal tasks ** – If there’s any time left after the chauffeur has completed all necessary maintenance, admin, and communication jobs, they may use the remaining time to complete any personal tasks. This could include booking appointments, responding to emails, or returning phone calls.

Most importantly, chauffeurs must ensure they are always on-call and alert when waiting, ready to respond to their client’s needs at a moment’s notice.

-Brief Business Travel Insights

25 May 2023

Article

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.