The terms ‘chauffeur’ and ‘driver’ are pretty common. However, most people use these terms interchangeably. While both professionals are employed to drive a passenger vehicle, there are noticeable differences between them.
While anyone can drive a car and be labeled a driver, not every driver can successfully perform the job of a chauffeur. Thus, it can be said, ‘every chauffeur is a driver, but not every driver is a chauffeur!’
Here, our Orlando private transportation expert highlights the major differences between a chauffeur and a driver.
Who is a chauffeur?
A chauffeur is someone who works for a specific company and drives their vehicle. If you’re looking to hire a chauffeur, you’ll be working with a more professional, vetted driver and have access to business amenities like chargers, Wi-Fi, and more.
What are the responsibilities and duties of a chauffeur?
Generally, chauffeurs work long hours because they’re expected to be available at all times of the day. Following are some of the key responsibilities that a chauffeur performs on the job:
- Picking up their clients from certain areas and using a chauffeur-driven vehicle to take them to their destination.
- Providing service to their clients by answering queries about locations, sceneries, restaurants, and more.
- Keeping their passengers on track with their ride status.
- Working with dispatch manager to confirm if every task is done in a proper, timely manner.
- Parking vehicles in their passenger’s house or location.
- Ensuring the passenger is comfortable and secure throughout the ride.
- Performing general vehicle maintenance, like checking fluid levels, tire pressure and refilling gas.
- Serving beverages, holding doors, carrying luggage, and offering other services to their passengers and clients as needed.
Who is a driver?
A driver is a person who drives you around in their vehicle. To locate passengers, they usually use an app. Some people usually catch rides with other passengers going in the same direction to save money, and it’s usually called carpooling.
What are the responsibilities and duties of a driver?
Many people looking for a chauffeur or a driver usually have an idea of what they want — offer general help, take care of their vehicle when they’re not around, and of course, drive them wherever they need to go.
But the truth is, there are some things that only a driver will do or be able to do. These consist of the following:
- Perform extra duties requested by the passenger (like picking up dry cleaning, booking travel arrangements, making restaurant reservations).
- Deliver and return packages or messages.
- Implement safety policies like child restraints and seat belts.
- Maintain car registration, license, and insurance.
What are the main differences between a chauffeur and a driver?
A chauffeur and driver differ in a lot of ways. This includes the type of service they offer, their qualification, etc. Read more to find out:
Service quality
Since the main duty of a driver is to drive from one particular location to another, everyone with a valid license and a vehicle can be a driver.
However, chauffeurs are well-trained professionals. The main priority of chauffeurs is their passengers, and they do everything in their power to ensure their clients are satisfied. Here’s what they usually do:
- Offering passengers a tailored service with amenities like drinks, music, and more.
- Ensuring the ride is comfortable and stress-free for their passengers.
Training and experience
Becoming a driver or chauffeur is easy — there are no educational requirements. However, to become a chauffeur, you should have a spotless criminal record, remarkable people skills, and a proven experience of being a careful driver.
This means chauffeurs go through in-depth training to ensure they’re qualified for the position and perform their responsibilities and duties to the best of their abilities.
Types of services
With chauffeurs, you’ll get elegance and style. Passengers can choose from limousines, luxury sedans, and executive vans. Most of them are equipped with amenities like ergonomic seats, a television, a fridge, etc., thereby offering a lavish experience to the passengers.
In addition, chauffeurs clean and restock the vehicle once the ride is over to ensure the van is spotless and equipped with everything before the next ride commences. Unfortunately, expecting these services from a driver wouldn’t be wise.
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