Chauffeurs are individuals dedicated to providing exclusive and luxurious transport to clients throughout major cities across Australia and the position is quite sought after for a number of reasons. Being a chauffeur carries with it quite an air of prestige and due the exclusivity of the role, it is often hard for some to find an entrance point into the career. This raises the surprisingly common question: how to become a chauffeur?
Becoming a chauffeur is not always easy, but it is a very rewarding position and, as with all careers, it is certainly worth the effort in the long term. Being a chauffeur is a great way to see some of Australia’s most prominent landmarks, attractions and cities, and it also allows you to experience an array of luxury vehicles that are consistently a pleasure to drive. A career as a chauffeur will give you an insight into not only the world of luxury travel, but also the daily grind of the streets and it is sure to provide you with countless unforgettable experiences.
Maintain a passion for providing luxury transport
Perhaps the most important characteristic of all chauffeurs is their passion for luxury transport. If the thought of exclusive and luxurious urban transport is something that appeals to you, then chances are you’re off to a good start. Your interests needn’t be limited to just luxury transport either; many chauffeurs begin as taxi drivers or even car enthusiasts who have a longstanding appreciation for the cities and attractions that are found across Australia. If you have an interest in the extensive road networks that connect your city to its many suburbs and you love the idea of exploring it further, then a career as a chauffeur has the potential to be highly rewarding. In fact after just weeks on the road as a chauffeur, you are sure to develop and unrivalled and intricate knowledge of your city and all the roads within it.
In no time you can be carving your own shortcuts from one destination to another in a bid to save your client some valuable time, which can be a reward in itself. Another part of the job that draws many prospective chauffeurs into the profession is the cars. Almost everyone appreciates the luxurious and impressive vehicles used in luxury transport across Australia and the thought of driving one is a dream for many. With a job as a chauffeur, chances are you will get the opportunity to drive these vehicles daily and that is something that is highly appealing to many.
Requirements for how to become a chauffeur
Before you can become a chauffeur however, there are some formalities that you must undergo. The luxury transport industry is aimed at providing the upmost in quality transport to clients across Australia and to ensure that this is delivered consistently, there are many industry standards that must be met.
#1 Accreditation
Chauffeurs must be accredited in accordance with Australian regulations and industry standards. This can vary from state to state, however it is a relatively consistent requirement that the drivers of large or small passenger vehicles must have held an unconditional Australian driver’s licence for a certain period of time, have a criminal history check and be cleared for child related employment, meet the minimum standard of health and have Australian citizenship. These requirements are subject to the local laws and regulations of each state, so if you are considering applying for the relevant accreditations to become a chauffeur, it is best that you contact the department of transport in your state or another similar government body to ensure that you meet all of the criteria.
#2 Vehicle
In most case, a luxury transport company will maintain its own fleet of luxury vehicles, however there are instances in which luxury transport companies might be seeking a contractor with his or her own luxury vehicle, or a contractor with luxury vehicles to lease. This can be a great opportunity to get into the industry, although there are still a few basic standards that you will have to meet. Firstly, you will have to ensure that you have all the accreditations and clearances necessary to drive or lease your luxury vehicle.
Whether you own the vehicle or not, the government of each state does – to potentially varying degrees – regulate the use of each vehicle, particularly if you are using it for commercial purposes. If you are driving your own vehicle, then you will likely need the same accreditation as all chauffeurs, although the conditions on leasing luxury vehicles may differ. Secondly, you will need to possess a vehicle that meets the standard of luxury demanded by the company that is contracting you. This can be a challenge for some, but that does not necessarily mean that you should be disheartened.
#3 Undergo ongoing training and quality control
Australia’s premier luxury transport companies are quality accredited under international standards and this means that they are expecting their drivers to perform at an international standard. To uphold their own, very high standards, these companies will require their drivers to undergo ongoing and sometimes quite rigorous training and quality assurance. The precise nature of this training depends on which company you work for and what the precise nature of your role is.
These quality control frameworks effectively serve to enhance the luxury transport company’s capacity to uphold – and in some case even improve – the standard at which they deliver their services. These quality assurances also involve the implementation of systems designed to identify any service failures and address them at their cause in a timely and professional manner. This makes a career as a chauffeur even more rewarding, as it encourages constant and dynamic professional development and enables chauffeurs to progress professionally and personally.
Where can I work?
There is an abundance of luxury transport companies throughout Australia who are likely to want chauffeurs and your career prospects and a newly accredited chauffeur are endless. For the best results, however, it is ideal to seek a career with Australia’s Quality Assured Companies, as these companies foster an environment in which you are provided with all the tools necessary to exceed in your role as a chauffeur.
For more advice and for your luxury and corporate transport needs, get in touch with Hughes today on 1300 615 15.
