Imagine your chauffeur arrives - they are polite, they are considerate, they open your door correctly and their car is luxurious. You set off and then the driver gladly demonstrates they have little control, refinement or competency in their driving ability! To know this, all you have to do is watch the way they steer.
It never ceases to amaze me how some experienced drivers who transport passengers still don’t know the basics of car control. One of the first things they should master is ‘steering’ and delivering a silky smooth ride for the passenger.
In normal conditions, a driver should hold the wheel lightly with both hands so they can react quickly in an emergency. The hands should be placed between ‘ten-to-two’ and ‘quarter-to-three’ (with a slight bend in the elbow). The hands should never leave the wheel unless required and the grip should only ever tighten when conditions demand. Additionally, the driver’s elbows should never be placed on an arm rest or window frame because it reduces control.
Furthermore in normal driving, a turn should always start with a pull on the wheel rather than a push and the hands should not cross twelve o’ clock. As the wheel is turned the driver’s body weight should be counterbalanced by their free hand as it mirrors the hand holding the wheel. This again will help deliver smoothness and greater control of the vehicle.
A conscientious driver will know the basics. They will have also learnt to feel the car, the road, the environment, everything - so they have better control! So, if you want to know how good your chauffeur is, just watch the way they steer.
Friday, 12 November 2010
Monday, 8 November 2010
Is A Car Just A Car?
Suppose you travel for three-hours in a chauffeur-driven car to an important meeting. That meeting is with a valuable customer and needs your full attention. What difference could your vehicle possibly make?
In the book ‘Roadcraft, The Essential Police Driver’s Handbook’ there are two paragraphs titled, ‘Fatigue’ and ‘How to combat fatigue’. Fatigue is often known as tiredness, weakness or the inability to function at one’s normal level – something critical if your meeting is important!
In the book, two issues are considered when discussing fatigue: a comfortable posture and noting how noise and vibration cause fatigue. These issues are directly related to a car’s design, seats, noise levels and build quality. These issues are precisely why a chauffeur car should be at least executive class (a size larger than family saloon models).
Any one who has travelled in a high quality executive saloon will tell you it can make a world of difference. The effect it has on your physical and mental state at the end of a journey is considerable! Quite simply, if the meeting is important then so too is your car.
In the book ‘Roadcraft, The Essential Police Driver’s Handbook’ there are two paragraphs titled, ‘Fatigue’ and ‘How to combat fatigue’. Fatigue is often known as tiredness, weakness or the inability to function at one’s normal level – something critical if your meeting is important!
In the book, two issues are considered when discussing fatigue: a comfortable posture and noting how noise and vibration cause fatigue. These issues are directly related to a car’s design, seats, noise levels and build quality. These issues are precisely why a chauffeur car should be at least executive class (a size larger than family saloon models).
Any one who has travelled in a high quality executive saloon will tell you it can make a world of difference. The effect it has on your physical and mental state at the end of a journey is considerable! Quite simply, if the meeting is important then so too is your car.
Friday, 29 October 2010
A Closer Look
So you’re ready for your chauffeur to drive you to the airport. They knock on your door, take your luggage and give you five minutes to say goodbye. All you have to do is to walk to the car. Now what should you expect of your driver?
A Chauffeur will open your door for you and open it correctly. The door should be opened before a passenger reaches the vehicle. The driver should stand heels-to-wheels (facing away from the car) and protect the passenger.
Protection is given by standing in one of two places: Either in front of the door or toward the rear of the car. Both of these places ensure the passenger can enter and exit with dignity – especially a lady. Next as you settle in to your seat, the driver should quietly close your door and walk round the rear of the car before they join you for the journey.
It is these subtle differences that set a chauffeur apart from regular drivers. It adds value to the service. In addition to the chauffeur’s etiquette, their driving should put you at ease and deliver a comfortable journey. After all that is what you pay for.
A Chauffeur will open your door for you and open it correctly. The door should be opened before a passenger reaches the vehicle. The driver should stand heels-to-wheels (facing away from the car) and protect the passenger.
Protection is given by standing in one of two places: Either in front of the door or toward the rear of the car. Both of these places ensure the passenger can enter and exit with dignity – especially a lady. Next as you settle in to your seat, the driver should quietly close your door and walk round the rear of the car before they join you for the journey.
It is these subtle differences that set a chauffeur apart from regular drivers. It adds value to the service. In addition to the chauffeur’s etiquette, their driving should put you at ease and deliver a comfortable journey. After all that is what you pay for.
Friday, 8 October 2010
First Impressions
Imagine you book a chauffeur driven car to the airport. A nice vehicle arrives at your house, a smart driver gets out, they light a cigarette, walk across your lawn and hammer on your door. Would you be impressed?
In my last blog I wrote about the legalities of private hire and what tools a Chauffeur requires. In the real world there is so much more than just having a nice car and being legal. For a start it is important to get the basics right – dress smart, wear a tie, arrive early, be polite, give a firm hand shake, be prepared to wait, help the customer with any luggage and ensure you create the right impression.
As a Chauffeur your job is so much more than to drive. You need to gauge the passenger and any desire for conversation. Do they prefer a front seat or do they prefer the rear of the car? If they prefer the rear, the arm rest should be down, the front seat moved forward and the rear-view mirror slightly adjusted so the driver can make eye contact with the passenger.
Be aware the client could be attending a meeting, hospital appointment, interview or anything that could cause them to feel nervous. Being in a car with a driver you don’t know can sometimes add to the tension. The Chauffeur’s job is to calm the passenger, make them feel at ease and help them relax.
Now suppose the car arrives outside your home six minutes early, the driver parks neatly, walks along your path, knocks lightly on your door and simply asks if they can take your luggage while they wait for you? Would that be better?
In my last blog I wrote about the legalities of private hire and what tools a Chauffeur requires. In the real world there is so much more than just having a nice car and being legal. For a start it is important to get the basics right – dress smart, wear a tie, arrive early, be polite, give a firm hand shake, be prepared to wait, help the customer with any luggage and ensure you create the right impression.
As a Chauffeur your job is so much more than to drive. You need to gauge the passenger and any desire for conversation. Do they prefer a front seat or do they prefer the rear of the car? If they prefer the rear, the arm rest should be down, the front seat moved forward and the rear-view mirror slightly adjusted so the driver can make eye contact with the passenger.
Be aware the client could be attending a meeting, hospital appointment, interview or anything that could cause them to feel nervous. Being in a car with a driver you don’t know can sometimes add to the tension. The Chauffeur’s job is to calm the passenger, make them feel at ease and help them relax.
Now suppose the car arrives outside your home six minutes early, the driver parks neatly, walks along your path, knocks lightly on your door and simply asks if they can take your luggage while they wait for you? Would that be better?
Friday, 17 September 2010
A Chauffeur's First Steps
People often ask “Do you just need a nice car to be a chauffeur and away you go?” Well, there is a little bit more to it than that.
A Chauffeur first needs a private hire licence. This involves a medical, a CRB (Criminal Records Bureau) check and references. A licensing authority may also request a knowledge test.
Once you have a driver’s badge (licence), you then need to insure your car. It is not the same as normal car insurance! You need to approach a private hire specialist because of carrying passengers and requiring public liability cover. It can cost up to seven times as much as a normal policy but with experience and no claims discounts it can drop to around £1,000 a year.
Next the vehicle will need to be licensed by a local authority (each has their own rules and conditions, such as an MOT twice a year). Some demand a vehicle has private hire plates attached and others allow them to be removed (with permission). Last but not least, the vehicle and driver need to be registered with an Operator. They also require a police check, a registered address and references before any bookings.
With licences in place, you are ready to start work as a driver. Before turning up for your first job though, you might want to carry some equipment in your vehicle. A chauffeur will often have call for:
Some drivers will also have ways to entertain themselves if they have waiting time on jobs. Some chauffeurs read a book, some watch a film, others browse the Internet, some listen to an MP3 or even play a game. Now that your vehicle is equipped, all that is left is to ensure it is clean, taxed and in good condition. You can then start to think about your first passenger and the route.
Once you have a driver’s badge (licence), you then need to insure your car. It is not the same as normal car insurance! You need to approach a private hire specialist because of carrying passengers and requiring public liability cover. It can cost up to seven times as much as a normal policy but with experience and no claims discounts it can drop to around £1,000 a year.
Next the vehicle will need to be licensed by a local authority (each has their own rules and conditions, such as an MOT twice a year). Some demand a vehicle has private hire plates attached and others allow them to be removed (with permission). Last but not least, the vehicle and driver need to be registered with an Operator. They also require a police check, a registered address and references before any bookings.
With licences in place, you are ready to start work as a driver. Before turning up for your first job though, you might want to carry some equipment in your vehicle. A chauffeur will often have call for:
- Mobile phone (with Internet access)
- Phone charger or spare phone
- A-Z maps, road Atlas and satellite navigation system
- Mints, chewing gum or boiled sweets
- Carpet brush, wipes, kitchen roll and glass cleaner
- Umbrella and a torch
- Toll road tags, car park concession card or restricted area pass
- Tyre pressure gauge, tyre pump and a wheel-nut breaker bar
- Breakdown cover and membership card (you never know!)
- Change of underwear (in case you go on a long journey at short notice)
- A small amount of change, receipts and possibly a credit card terminal
- First aid kit, fire extinguisher, rope and disposable gloves
Some drivers will also have ways to entertain themselves if they have waiting time on jobs. Some chauffeurs read a book, some watch a film, others browse the Internet, some listen to an MP3 or even play a game. Now that your vehicle is equipped, all that is left is to ensure it is clean, taxed and in good condition. You can then start to think about your first passenger and the route.
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